Newly Unearthed Short Stories by Famed ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Author to be Released
Most people know Harper Lee for her timeless novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird". For a long time, it was her single major piece. Then came "Go Set a Watchman", released just before she passed away. Though initially thought to be a sequel, it was soon considered more as an early version of her most renowned book than a separate novel.
Now, a significant revelation has surfaced. Eight short stories written by Lee have been uncovered in her New York residence, post her death. These newly found works provide a unique opportunity to understand how Lee's iconic writing style developed before she penned "To Kill a Mockingbird."
First-Ever Publication of Lee's Short Stories
The short stories are set to be published for the first time this Tuesday. The collection, named "The Land of Sweet Forever", will also feature an introduction by Lee’s biographer, Casey Cep.
After leaving law school just a semester short of graduation, Lee moved to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Her dream was to become a writer, and it was during this time that she wrote these stories. Some of these narratives carry glimpses of ideas that she later develops fully in "To Kill a Mockingbird". Others portray life in New York, as described in an article by Casey Cep.
A Glimpse into the Unknown
Edwin Lee Conner, Lee’s nephew, was aware of these unpublished works but had no clue about the whereabouts of the manuscripts. Both Conner and his cousin, Molly Lee, remember their aunt as a remarkable storyteller inspired by British author Daphne du Maurier.
Molly fondly recalls their aunt's captivating stories. She said, "The stories that she told me, she would make them up but they all seemed to be based around, 'It was a dark and stormy night'... It seemed to me they were always on the moor and she would just take me into the dark."
In this unearthed collection, both Conner and Molly see their aunt still evolving as a writer, with glimpses of her potential shining through. Conner labels these works as "apprentice stories", not fully showcasing her genius, but nevertheless, hinting at the brilliance within them.
More than Just Stories
Apart from the eight short stories, the collection also includes eight essays written by Lee after the publication of "To Kill a Mockingbird". These provide intriguing insights into the mind of the writer, both before and after she completed the work that defined her literary career.