Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This, to me, was a very strange book. The three individuals featured were famous or infamous for various crimes and community services. A mysterious reverend; his attorney, and author Nelle Harper Lee all united with varying results. The premise was unusual; the finished product adequately written; the sources substantial. Unfortunately, the more I read the less I liked and respected Nelle Harper Lee and her friend attorney Tom Radney. For some reason it was just devastating to read that Lee and Radney's friendship was largely based upon their common high regard for Jefferson Davis, Robert E Lee, and the confederate flag as a glorious symbol of a better time with high ideas and a solid foundation. Having never heard of Mr. Radney before I don't expect to hear much now-thankfully. But, to learn that Lee held these beliefs as well was a terrible blow and made me wonder just how much editing “Mockingbird” endured before publication. I remember when I read “Go Set A Watchman” and being ABSOLUTELY sure that Lee would never write such a vulgar book . Now I find it possible, actually certain, that not only did she write it but from that awful book “Mockingbird” came-courtesy of a heavy handed editor's pen. When the author of this book gleefully endorsed the tacit racism of individuals who admire Jefferson Davis and glory in the confederate flag I almost gave up. But I felt compelled to finish it; certain that sooner or later the book would right itself and readers would get more than a glance of the murderous preacher and, more importantly, his innocent victims. But it wasn’t to be. I wonder why I read so much about Jefferson Davis and so little of the murder victims. It was almost as if they existed solely to further the lives of Radney and Lee. For much of the rest of the book the author spends wasted time trying to discover why Lee’s publication record only boasted one finished book. I am now of two thoughts: She did not have anything left to say or, after the departure for various reasons, of the editorial team that oversaw “Mockingbird” there was no one left to help her say it. I realize I am questioning an icon but this book raises more questions than answers.