Latest news with #HarperLee
The Guardian
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
To Kill a Mockingbird: a call to compassion that's more urgent than ever
It's impossible to watch Robert Mulligan's 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee's great novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, and not be moved by Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch, a small-town American lawyer with an unfailing moral compass. Light years from the archetypal legal eagle, he radiates good old-fashioned decency, espousing tolerance and compassion that sadly feels almost passe amid the Sturm und Drang of the current world. 'You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view,' goes one of Finch's great lines, sourced from Lee's book. In perhaps the film's most memorable scene, Peck deliverers a grand courtroom monologue, declaring that 'all men are created equal', imploring the jury to 'in the name of god, believe Tom Robinson,' the black man accused raping a white woman – a crime he didn't commit. When I think about this film, my mind recalls that monologue in vivid colour – even though it's shot in monochrome. I've watched To Kill a Mockingbird several times but still have to gird my loins for the moment Finch (spoilers to follow) breaks the news to Robinson's family that he was killed while attempting to escape. Finch's wisdom gives the film (and book) its title. Earlier, around the breakfast table, he recalls that when his father gave him his first gun, he told him he could 'shoot all the bluejays you want … but remember, it's a sin to kill a mockingbird' because these creatures 'don't do one thing except make music for us to enjoy'. Ergo, the metaphor about destroying the innocent and harmless. Peck won a best actor Oscar, but the protagonist is actually Finch's young daughter Scout (Mary Badham), whose adult self recounts the story. Her narration is everything to the book, though it's sparingly used in the film and does little beyond lacing some moments with Harper's lovely prose. Scout famously describes Maycomb – where the story takes place in 1932 – as a 'tired old town' where 'the rhythms of life are slow,' men's collars 'wilted by nine in the morning' and 'ladies bathed before noon'. In the book, Scout's reflections have a thoughtfulness and maturity beyond the ken of her childhood self. The film's relationship with time is different. Instead of an older person looking back, it's mostly a present tense narrative evoking a child's perspective – Scout's, but also that of her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford) and their friend Dill (John Megna). In both versions, this focus on the children makes it unusual. How many legal dramas spend so little time in the courtroom, and so much time following children who aren't directly related to the case? Before we learn about Robinson's plight, we're introduced to the mystery surrounding a reclusive local character named Boo Radley (Robert Duvall, in his first film performance). The children repeat terrible rumours about him very early in the film, which we eventually learn are entirely unfounded. It's only at the very end that we discover the clever bookend device deployed by Lee, and retained in the film. Radley saves Scout and Jem from a potentially lethal attack by a man seeking revenge on Finch, and kills the offender in the process. The sheriff decides to spare Radley from the inevitable fallout, officially reporting that the other man fell on his knife. Atticus is surprised that Scout agrees with this decision; as she puts it, 'it would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn't it?' We assumed, all this time, that the metaphor applied to the innocent, downtrodden Robinson. But here we see it broaden out, extending to others who are mistreated and powerless. The ending is optimistic in some senses, emphasising compassion and humanity. But it's also deeply melancholic – a rich tapestry of emotions. This terrific film has lost none of its power. To Kill a Mockingbird is streaming on Binge in Australia and available to rent in the UK and US. For more recommendations of what to stream in Australia, click here
India.com
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
7 Gripping Courtroom Dramas Every Legal Thriller Fan Should Watch
(All photos credit: IMDb & X) Khushi Arora Jun 15, 2025 This amazing thriller is based on Harper Lee's novel by the same name, it follows a story of a lawyer who is defending a falsely accused black man. Released in 1996, this legal drama is based on John Grisham's novel which revolves around the story of a young lawyer who fought the whole legal system for his daughter. Edward Norton delivers an amazing performance as an altar boy accused of murdering a prominent archbishop. And Richard Gere plays his slick defense attorney, who slowly uncovers a darker truth in this twist-filled courtroom mystery. Starring Tom Hanks where he is playing a role of a lawyer who is fired from his work after he was diagnosed with AIDS, exploring the themes of discrimination and prejudice. Starring Mathew McConaughey, this crime thriller is a story of Haller who is hired to fight a case of a son of a wealthy businesswoman. Starring Tom Cruise, this gripping film is about a lawyer who joined a new firm and discovered that the firm is deeply entangled in corruption and crime. Released in 1982, this amazing film revolves around the story of an alcoholic lawyer who is seeking redemption after taking on a medical malpractice case against a powerful institution. Read Next Story
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Washington Spanish teacher fired by high school for saying n-word while reading To Kill A Mockingbird to class
A Spanish teacher has been fired after reading a passage from To Kill A Mockingbird to his class that included the n-word. Matthew Mastronardi, who worked at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, had overheard students discussing the classic Harper Lee novel in his classroom when he was asked to read a passage aloud, which included the n-word. His students, according to Mastronardi, said they skipped over the controversial slur within the text as per another teacher's instructions. 'I was astonished and expressed disagreement, saying, "That's silly; it undermines the book's historical context and disrespects the author's intent to use accurate language,"' the teacher wrote on X. To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama and deals heavily with racist abuse suffered by blacks in the south. After Mastronardi slated the students for censoring themselves, one spoke up to ask the teacher he would read every word, including the n-word. Mastronardi said he would. 'A male student immediately handed me the book and said, "Okay do it,"' he continued. 'I knew the situation was serious with 30 students watching...I saw it as a teachable moment about context and literary honesty in reading.' Mastronardi read the book out loud to his class, specifically a passage that included the n-word, but he had 'no idea' that he was being recorded by a student. While it remains unclear if the recording was reported to school officials or if it received any complaints, Mastronardi was pulled in to discuss the matter with Principal Ryan Mulvey. The Spanish teacher said in the meeting that he 'acted in good faith with the desire to serve students.' 'Furthermore, I believe what I read was not to stir trouble but to deliver value. My conscience is clean and as stated in policy, this is a free exchange of ideas, which is what I was trying to perpetuate,' Mastronardi said. 'Teaching kids they can interact with a text honestly and intimidation should not be used to prevent that. I was asked to read it and so I did.' Then, on April 28, he was given a letter with a verbal warning. Mulvey wrote that Mastronardi had engaged in 'unprofessional communication' with his students. He determined that Mastronardi had 'failed to communicate in a civil manner, failed to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning by consistently maintaining professional boundaries, and did not maintain the highest professional standards.' The verbal warning declared that the teacher had violated the Districts Civility and Professional Staff Student Boundaries policy and ordered him to refrain from using the language again. On May 6, Mastronardi was called for a meeting with the Human Resources Director Sabre Dahl and Principal Mulvey during which he was informed he could 'either voluntarily resign or face the non-renewal' of his contract. Mastronardi, however, argued his case and wrote to rebuke the warning. 'This rebuttal is necessary because the actions taken against me are wholly unjustified... It is not uncivil, nor unprofessional to read a passage from a school approved novel,' he wrote. 'Words should not be skipped over simply because they make us uncomfortable, especially when the usage is essential to describe and understand the historical context.' Then, come May 8, Mastronardi was served with a non-renewal notice by Superintendent Kyle Rydell which claimed the teacher exercised 'poor judgement' and that the school had concerns for his 'ability to serve as a positive role model.' Mastronardi wrote on X that he requested evidence for the claims listed, 'but none was provided.' As the battle for his job continued, the Spanish teacher met with the superintendent to 'urge reconsideration.' 'During the meeting, they repeatedly stated the decision wasn't solely due to the TKAM incident,' he wrote. 'When I asked, "What other reasons contributed to my termination?" they provided no specifics.' Mastronardi further claimed there had been 'no parent complaints, no documented disciplinary actions, and I've passed every teaching evaluation.' 'The superintendent admitted relying on "hearsay" for part of his decision. Two union representatives, taking notes, attested to this.' Yet, it was still recommended his contract not be renewed. 'My students are very upset,' Mastronardi wrote. One freshman student even took it upon himself to create a petition in support of the teacher. 'He's a really good teacher,' the student, Payton Johnson, told Frontlines. 'He was just reading out of the book. He wasn't saying it to anyone or, like, in a rude manner.' The petition calls for the school to reinstate Mastronardi and said the 'beloved educator' is 'unjustly facing termination over a misunderstanding.' 'This decision strikes at the heart of educational integrity and the role educators play in exposing students to important historical contexts that foster critical thinking,' the petition said. 'We urge the administrative body of West Valley High School and the wider Spokane education authorities to reconsider this course of action. 'Not only is this decision detrimental to a well-regarded teacher's career, but it also diminishes the richness of the educational experience provided to students by limiting exposure to important, albeit challenging, literature.' The petition garnered a total of 654 signatures come Thursday morning. A GiveSendGo was created by the Spanish teacher to help his family through the transition period, with a large portion intended to be donated to support educational efforts toward free speech. Mastronardi, a husband and father of 'three beautiful children,' is set to plead his case at a board meeting on June 25. 'This is my final appeal to save my job,' he wrote.
New York Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Wally Lamb's Guilty Pleasure Is a History of Mad Magazine
In an email interview, the author of 'She's Come Undone' was proud to say he still follows Oprah's book picks. SCOTT HELLER Describe your ideal reading experience. It's early September. I'm on Cape Cod at Truro's Long Nook Beach. There's a warm breeze, the crowds have left and so have the horseflies. What's the best book you've ever gotten as a gift? My former publisher, Judith Regan, once gave me a copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' signed by Harper Lee. Do you count any books as guilty pleasures? In my early teens I got hold of William S. Burroughs's 'Naked Lunch' and hid it behind other books in my bookshelf. Sadly, my mother found it and made it disappear. Much more recently, I enjoyed 'The MAD Files: Writers and Cartoonists on the Magazine That Warped America's Brain!' What books are on your night stand? Kaveh Akbar's 'Martyr!,' Beth Macy's 'Paper Girl,' Emma Pattee's 'Tilt,' Kira Jane Buxton's 'Tartufo,' David Litt's 'It's Only Drowning,' Nick Drnaso's 'Sabrina' and 'Pushcart Prize XLIX: Best of the Small Presses 2025,' edited by Bill Henderson. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Irish Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
John Boyne on the art of book reviews: Never lie to readers, but deliver truth in a way that respects the writer
In May 2004, three novels into my career, I published my first book review in The Irish Times, a short piece on Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner . The piece was commissioned by the late Caroline Walsh, the much-loved and much-missed former editor of these pages. This month, as my 28th book, Air, arrives in shops, I publish my 150th book review. Of those, I've never met 97 of the authors, 32 are casual acquaintances, 13 I consider friends, while only eight are people I hope would show up at my funeral (even if they have to fly in from Australia). For many years, I've had a fruitful arrangement with Martin Doyle, the current books editor of The Irish Times. A few months ahead of publication date, I suggest a few books and he tells me which, if any, he would like me to take on. (To the conspiracy theorists out there, not once have I been given even the hint of an instruction on the tone my review should take.) I base my choices on three criteria: either I've read the writer's previous work and enjoyed it, the subject matter appeals to me or I've heard good things on the grapevine. READ MORE There are reviews I'm proud of. In 2012, I appraised JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and was probably the only person on the planet not to reference a certain boy wizard. I wrote about Roddy Doyle's Two Pints in the voices of the characters, and having read Belinda McKeon's Tender across a single day, wanted everyone to do the same. I got a good line in about Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman in protest at it being published at all. ('This novel is Boo Radley. It was meant to stay inside, locked away, hidden from the world.') I helped bring Garth Greenwell and Édouard Louis, two of the finest writers at work today, to attention . When Graham Norton published Holding, I advised people to set aside their scepticism about celebrity-written books, and he's more than proved me right ever since. Reviewing How to Be Invisible, Kate Bush's collection of song lyrics, led to a lunch date, and as her All-Time Greatest Fan I still feel thrilled that my assessment led to a real-world friendship. I stand by my 2023 piece on Joe Gibson's Seventeen, a powerful nonfiction book about the effect of sexual grooming on a teenage boy, which, somehow, has yet to find its way into paperback, despite universal praise. There have been negative reviews too, although as everyone in the writing world knows, there are sacred cows that people are afraid to criticise, either because the author holds a powerful position within the industry or because detractors will be accused of envy should they call a spade a spade. It's why so much mediocre work goes unchallenged and why there are writers who could publish their weekly shopping list and they'd still receive universal hosannas. Kevin Power was spot on when he wrote in a 2021 essay: 'Most books are bad. We all know this, but we seldom say it.' For that reason, I avoid reviewing authors I consider overrated or, frankly, no good. One of my most chilling experiences is of a writer who provided an effusive blurb for a first novel, describing it to me privately as 'the worst piece of hackneyed chick-lit I've ever read in my life'. Recoiling from his use of such a pejorative and misogynist term, I asked why he'd praised it if he felt this way. 'Because it was obvious it was going to be a hit,' he said with a shrug. 'And I wanted to be associated with it.' Personally, I prefer silence to craven opportunism or outright dishonesty. [ Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin: Inventive exploration of identity, faith and family Opens in new window ] [ John Boyne on Fair Play by Louise Hegarty: A witty debut that celebrates the golden age of crime novels Opens in new window ] I remain ashamed, however, of a deeply unkind review I wrote some years ago that ignored the fact that the writer was new to the game. A review should never be about the reviewer but, for reasons rooted in my unhealthy state of mind at the time, I forgot there was a real person on the other side of those 700 words and revelled in my own supposedly clever sentences instead of concentrating on the author's. I subsequently apologised on Twitter to the writer in question – publicly, not by private message – who was far more gracious in reply than I might have been had our positions been reversed. In my day job, of course, I get reviewed too, and my rule is: don't believe them when they're good, don't believe them when they're bad. I know the value of my own work and could line up all my books on a shelf, the order determined by whether I feel I achieved artistically what I set out to. The Heart's Invisible Furies would be in pole position, followed by A Ladder to the Sky, The Elements and All the Broken Places. (I won't say what would be at the other end!) While I've generally done pretty well on the review front, the best I ever got was for The Echo Chamber, an unusual book for me in that it's a comedy and no one dies at the end. My methodology for reviewing hasn't changed much. I make a note of anything that occurs to me as I'm reading, take photos of lines that impress me (or otherwise), then write my first draft as soon as I finish the final page, simply throwing down everything that occurs to me. I leave it to bake, so to speak, for a week or so, then return to it when the novel has fully settled in my mind. At that point I rewrite, edit, cut and shape it into something that hopefully respects the work, while giving readers an honest assessment of my personal response to it. And remember, that's all a review is: one person's reaction to a book. It's not definitive; it's just an opinion. A word to the wise. Here are some phrases that should never be used in a review: 'An instant classic': there's no such thing and it's lazy writing. It takes decades, maybe even a century, for a book to achieve that status. I genuinely enjoy writing about books and want to use whatever authority I've earned over a 33-year career for positive ends 'Whip-smart': reviewers, please stop referring to young women writers as 'whip-smart' as if it's a shock to discover they might have a brain in their pretty little heads. (The phrase is never used for men, of course.) 'Meets': as in 'American Psycho meets Rachel's Holiday " . No one is 'the voice of a generation' because no generation speaks with one voice. If they do, God help them. Consulting writer friends for phrases they loathe, I was told that 'fiercely intelligent is annoying', while 'a moving exploration of trauma and identity', and 'compelling' were also poorly regarded. You might ask why I do it. I don't need the exposure, there's always the risk of upsetting someone and – no offence, Martin – it doesn't pay very well. The answer is, I genuinely enjoy writing about books and want to use whatever authority I've earned over a 33-year career for positive ends. Conscious that the publishing world can be difficult at times, reviewers, in my view, should support the endeavour, offering readers reasons to buy books, not to ignore them. Never to lie, but also never to shame, ridicule or humiliate. And if talented newcomers can be given a leg up by those of us with an audience, then all the better. So I guess I'll keep reviewing for as long as I'm allowed. While it's a privilege to have the platform to do so, the best part is occasionally discovering a book so amazing that I want to share it with the world. John Boyne's latest novel, Air, is published by Doubleday
