Like most people, I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. It immediately made me want to be a lawyer and save people. As an adult, I realise this is naive and fanciful and public defenders are rarely, if ever given their choice of cases.

As a idealistic child, Atticus was my compass of what is true, moral and right in the world. I’ve gone back to the book time and time again to be reminded of that idealistic and empathetic teenager I was, to keep hold of her as I get older.

Go Set a Watchman should never have been published. I was right there with Scout, to find that your family are flawed and to have to relearn who they are is a hard thing. Atticus and his moral compass are forever changed for me now.

The book itself is a delightful trip down memory lane, snatches of Jen and Scout as children contrast an adult Scout finding her place in the world. Is it Harper Lee’s best work? Does it live up to To Kill a Mockingbird? No. And likely the reasons I don’t like it are the reasons she never published.

2.5 stars rounded up for nostalgia.