HarperCollins has announced the publication of a sequel for Harper Lee’s beloved novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. One day after this revelation, the book, entitled Go Set a Watchman, has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Amazon Best Seller list. Readers will have to wait until the July 14th release to meet the adult Scout Finch.
Hugh Van Dusen, Lee’s editor at HarperCollins, sat for an interview with Vulture to discuss the forthcoming book. Van Dusen confirmed that it was written before To Kill a Mockingbird and that the manuscript will likely be published as Lee wrote it back in the 1950’s. He also came to Lee’s defense and quashed the rumor that she is a recluse. He feels that people confuse Lee’s infamous distaste for publicity with a predilection for solitude.
Van Dusen explained: “There’s this rumor about her that’s been prevalent for decades that she’s a recluse, which is absolute nonsense. She’s not a recluse. When my wife and I went to visit her in hospital after the stroke to see her, the room was filled with wonderful women friends of Nelle’s who were all caring for her and helping her and comforting her. She’s not a recluse at all.”