(New York Times) The doubts arose almost immediately when HarperCollins announced last month that it would release a rediscovered book by Harper Lee: Did Ms. Lee — 88, publicity-shy and famously resistant to producing a follow-up to her masterpiece, "To Kill a Mockingbird" — really want to publish a second novel that she wrote and set aside more than a half-century ago?
Weeks later, that question remains a matter of passionate debate. Despite reassurances from her publisher, lawyer and literary agent that Ms. Lee has enthusiastically endorsed the publication, the controversy over the new book, "Go Set a Watchman," has divided some residents of her hometown here, as well as longtime friends who live elsewhere. One faction argues that Ms. Lee's mental health is too shaky for her to have knowingly authorized the new book, while the other just as vigorously affirms her competence.