The Long-Lost Sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird is Being Published in July

In what really should be absolutely massive, earth-shaking news, Harper are prepping Go Set a Watchman, the recently discovered sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird this coming summer. Harper Lee actually wrote the novel before moving on to To Kill a Mockingbird, as the second novel features Scout as an adult and her publisher advised her to establish her as a child first. Lee, now 88, gave a rare statement to the publishers in which she addressed why she hadn’t published the work sooner:

I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn’t realized it (the original book) had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.

It’s been 55 years since To Kill a Mockingbird first hit the shelves and in that time it’s accrued a legendary status, amongst a smattering of early controversy. Library Journal declared it to be the novel of the century in 1999. Just about the only person who has a bad word to say about it is Homer Simpson. Lee herself is famously publicity-shy, having published no other books since 1960, although she did help Truman Capote compile the research that ultimately lead to In Cold Blood. Although she has spoken on the publication, she’s unlikely to do any actual touring, so if you’re seeing Harper Lee on TV, it’s either old footage or Catherine Keener. Or Sandra Bullock. This is one of the most significant events in the history of literature, and if you’ve yet to read To Kill a Mockingbird, now would be the opportune moment to do so.