When it was announced in February that a new Harper Lee novel was in the offing, writers and readers the world over realized they were looking at a holy grail of fiction.
Perhaps in more ways than one.
"Go Set a Watchman" is supposed to be a sequel to the iconic "Mockingbird," and supposedly lay undiscovered for decades. HarperCollins announced the impending publication of the book earlier this year, and many began to wonder if the reclusive 88-year-old author could withstand the rigors of a modern book launch.
No one thinks, of course, that Lee will traverse the country and sit in a B&N in Phoenix for hours, but certainly a new novel by an acclaimed author is a rare event.
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Now comes reports, however, that Lee might not have signed off on the release of this book. There seems to be some vigorous dispute as to whether she is up to it, or not.
From a New York Times article: "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."
Wow! A riddle wrapped in an enigma.
There is even further mystery surrounding "Mockingbird" and "Watchman." Was the latter a poor offering ... or not? Again, from The Times: "A lot is at stake, including the legacy of one of the country's most beloved authors. Many wonder whether 'Watchman,' which was rejected by a publisher in the mid-1950s and then rewritten as 'Mockingbird,' will turn out to be a flawed, amateur work when it is released in July, and a disappointing coda to a career that has been defined by one outsize hit."
State health officials have talked with Lee, who now lives in an assisted living facility in Alabama. She appears to have answered questions, and how this all plays out will be fascinating to watch.
Lee's attorney, Tonja B. Carter, discovered the "Watchman" manuscript in August 2014, and then negotiated a contract with the publisher. Interestingly, the attorney also has an attorney, who declined to comment about this situation.
Millions of dollars are at stake, along with the legacy of Lee, and the reputations of HarperCollins' publishers and the attorneys involved.
You couldn't make this stuff up.
One wonders how Atticus Finch would handle all this.