Harper Lee is one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, known for her iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. But who was the woman behind the book? Here we explore Lee’s life, from her childhood in Alabama to her rise to literary fame and beyond. Learn about the inspirations behind her writing, her impact on American literature, and her enduring legacy.
Harper Lee was born Nelle Harper Lee on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama. She was the youngest of four children and grew up in a small town where her father was a lawyer and her mother was a homemaker. Lee was an avid reader from a young age and attended the then all-female Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama for a year and transferred to the University of Alabama to study law but left before completing her degree to pursue her passion for writing.
Harper Lee began writing To Kill a Mockingbird in the mid-1950s, drawing inspiration from her own childhood experiences in the South. The novel was published in 1960 and quickly became a literary sensation, winning the Pulitzer Prize the following year. To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful exploration of racial injustice and the loss of innocence, and it continues to be widely read and studied today. Despite the success of her first novel, Lee remained a private person and did not publish another book until the release of Go Set a Watchman in 2015, which was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird.
To Kill a Mockingbird has had a profound impact on American literature and culture. The novel has been translated into more than 40 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. It has been adapted into a successful film, a Broadway play, and even an opera. The book’s themes of racial injustice, courage, and compassion continue to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Lee’s legacy as a writer and social commentator is secure, and her influence on American literature is undeniable.
After the success of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee largely withdrew from the public eye. She continued to write, but her second novel, Go Set a Watchman, was not published until 2015, more than 50 years after she wrote it. Lee passed away in 2016 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important writers of the 20th century. Her work continues to inspire and challenge readers, and her impact on American literature and culture will be felt for generations to come.
Despite the widespread acclaim for To Kill a Mockingbird, the book has also been the subject of controversy. Some critics have criticized the book for its portrayal of African American characters, arguing that they are one-dimensional and lack agency. Additionally, some have questioned the circumstances surrounding the publication of Go Set a Watchman, which was released amid concerns about Lee’s mental and physical health. Despite these controversies, Lee’s work remains a powerful and enduring contribution to American literature.
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”
-Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Curated by Jennifer
