Illinois State English Professor Jan Susina discussed Harper Lee’s newly discovered manuscript, To Set a Watchman, with WJBC’s Susan Sanders on February 4.  

Susina frequently teaches To Kill a Mockingbird in his young adult literature courses. The discovery of the manuscript of Lee’s forthcoming novel—which was written prior To Kill a Mockingbird, but set 20 years after the events of the first novel and features Scout Finch returning to Maycomb, Alabama, and her father, Atticus—has electrified the literary world.

Susina gives a context for Lee’s second novel that functions as both a prequel and sequel to her critically acclaimed novel. He discusses the highly anticipated book, what it may mean for a better understanding of Mockingbird, and how its publication may affect the literary reputation of Lee.

Listen to the podcast here.