Decades after captivating readers with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ Harper Lee’s voice is set to be read out loud once again. Eight short stories by the reclusive author were discovered in her New York apartment following her death, shedding new light on the early stages of her literary genius.
The works will be published this October 21, in a collection titled ‘The Land of Sweet Forever,’ introduced by Lee’s biographer Casey Cep. The volume also includes eight essays written after the 1960 release of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ revealing Lee’s reflections on fame and writing.
For readers and scholars alike, the new collection offers a rare glimpse into both the making of a modern classic and the evolution of one of America’s most beloved authors.
Many female writers of Lee’s era had to fight for recognition. Fortunately, pioneers like her helped pave the way for generations of female authors who continue to shape literature today. Click through this gallery to learn more about their groundbreaking stories.