This is a well-known book. It was written in the 1960's and it has been considered a north-American classic ever since. There are several reasons why this book became so popular. It is well-written of course, and it has has ethnographic value. It takes place in a town in Alabama where the author grew up, and it describes a variety of characters with keen detail, with kindness, and with honesty. We see depictions of a range of persons from different walks of life, and we also see the relationship between them.

‍

The book has sociological and historical interest. However, the reason for its popularity is that the book manages to discuss a set of difficult topics. It has something to say about racism, class differences, and legal processes. These themes are discussed carefully and with love, in such a way that young people can approach them.

‍

The book has a lot to offer to our contemporary debates. It offers an (older but significant) take on racial inequality. It presents the idea of overcoming racism by making social institutions colour blind and fair. Reading this book gives the reader the opportunity to think critically about the opposing approach: of enhancing and formalising racial groups in society to 'empower them' to engage in society as 'oppressed groups'.

‍

The book often uses the word 'nigger' but I believe that this is not used in any derogatory way on the part of the author. Rather it is used to give us a realistic view of racial relations in the past century.

‍

Another important point the book stresses that is interesting for contemporary society, is to say that everyone, despite their many faults and mistaken ideas, are people to be respected and valued. The writer tries hard to avoid grouping people according to how they stand on a divisive social issue. It says that it is a mistake for society to become polarised because of political disagreements. The author tries to deal with all the characters of the book with love and compassion. As such, it offers an approach for overcoming divisive politics.

‍

Finally, the book raises the difficult and 'topical' issue of why someone may make a false accusation of rape - and how such false accusations ruin people's lives.

‍

The reader may not agree with all of the positions taken by the author in the book, nevertheless, the book is worth reading. It presents a solid approach that can provoke thought and debate. It tries to bring human kindness into difficult matters that often get people's backs up.

‍

Well written and thought-provoking.