What people are saying about Harper Lee's 'Go Set a Watchman'

 By 
Yohana Desta
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Some people really don't want to set a watchman.

Opinions on Harper Lee's recently-released novel Go Set a Watchman, officially published Tuesday, are all over the place. The book is a sequel of sorts to To Kill a Mockingbird, though it's really, in essence, a first draft of the original novel, this time focused on a grown-up Scout.

[seealso slug="lee-novel-casts-atticus-as-racist"]

Now that people have finally raced to finish the book, online reviews are everywhere. Some people are just happy to have a new Lee novel in their hands, while others think it's an abominable, money-grubbing act on behalf of her publishers. The new novel also casts Atticus Finch as a racist, which has already upset a slew of folks.

Over on Amazon, the book has largely five star reviews, leading to an overall ranking of 3.9 stars. Some reviewers are already making some bold declarations about the novel, which has only been out for about 12 hours.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Some are feeling slightly so-so about it, neither on the side of praising or bashing it.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Others have doled out only one or two stars, completely unimpressed by the novel, all while making gloriously cruel puns like "Don't set a watchman" and "To kill a reputation."

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The reviews on Goodreads are essentially the same, with the book currently ranked at 3.7 stars out of five.

Only time will tell how Go Set a Watchman compares to Lee's classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. The one thing that's truly clear? Go Set a Watchman is one of the most polarizing books of the year.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!