SHARE

Fairfield Readers Bring Harper Lee's Much-Anticipated Novel To Life

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — About six weeks ago, the trade book manager of the Fairfield University Bookstore was discussing university's assistant vice president of student affairs and discussing "Go Set a Watchman," Harper Lee’s controversial and much-anticipated "sequel" to her classic novel "To Kill A Mockingbird." 

First Selectman Michael Tetreau reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

First Selectman Michael Tetreau reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
Beverly Balaz, president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

Beverly Balaz, president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
Fairfield Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

Fairfield Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart reads "Go Set a Watchman" during a live reading at the Fairfield University Bookstore Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

Craig Kennedy, from the bookstore, told the university's Jim Fitzpatrick, “We can probably read it cover to cover.” And there was no turning back.

Local leaders, including Fitzpatrick, First Selectman Michael Tetreau, Fairfield Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz and Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara, turned out for a reading of the just-released book at the Fairfield University Bookstore in downtown Fairfield on Tuesday.

Balaz said the event connected her with Scout, the main character in the book who travels from New York to Maycomb, Ala., to visit her father, Atticus Finch, two decades after the events depicted in "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Balaz said she had listened carefully to those who read before her, so she understood the tone of the character’s voice and emotions. 

“When I was up there, I felt I understood the character, her worries and concerns,” she said, holding the copy of the book she had just purchased. “It was terrific.”

Tetreau, who also read, praised the event.

“Common experiences that we can share help us come together as a community,” he said, examining his copy of the book as he prepared to read pages 141 through 145. “It’s important for the Town of Fairfield that events like this take place.”

Even though the books arrived only Monday and he hadn’t had a chance to read the entire book, Kennedy gave Harper's new novel a glowing review.

“It’s an amazing read,” he said. “You can truly hear her voice.”

The book was released amid much controversy. Many have questioned whether Lee, who is 89 and has poor reading and vision skills, had the ability to consent to the book’s publication.

“I wonder if Harper always had a sense for the possibility of this novel and wondered, ‘What do I have to lose,’ ” Kennedy said. But, he added, like many other famous authors, “She’s still kind of a recluse, and we can only conjecture as to what her point of view is.”

While Harper’s intentions behind the book’s publication are uncertain, Kennedy’s view on the event is clear.

“I hope this sets the trend for future events at the bookstore,” Kennedy said. “This is the perfect blend of community and reading coming together.”

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE