A Letter from Harper Lee
by Pete
(Michigan)
Two years ago, I read an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee called "Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee". It was well researched and not sensational in its depiction of the author, who refused to participate in the work. It left me curious as to what Harper Lee may have thought of the portrait presented, and as to how accurate some of the details were. I wrote to her asking her opinion of it.
To my surprise, I received a hand written reply from Ms. Lee, on her initialed stationary (NLH for Nell Harper Lee). She stated that she had read the book and found the depiction of her to be "unrecognizable, even to myself." She thanked me for my letter, and was very warm overall in her response to what I'd written. I was very honored to have been sent a reply, let alone one that was in her own hand.
Given that the biography was well received, and that Harper Lee has never published another novel - before or after "To Kill A Mockingbird", and that she has shunned interviews, I am curious as to what sort of value this letter may hold. Anyone have any ideas?
