ANATOMY OF A SEQUEL - Who Really Wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird" And "Go Set A Watchman"?

ANATOMY OF A SEQUEL -By: Jeb Ladouceur

Who really wrote “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Go Set a Watchman”? 

296 pages – Lippincott & Company – 304 pages – HarperCollins

In the mid-1950’s Nelle Harper Lee, childhood friend of Truman Capote, is generally thought to have written “Go Set a Watchman,” a down-to-earth novel suggested by the pair’s racially-torn hometown, Monroeville, Alabama.

Author Harper Lee at age eightyHaving moved to New York City at the age of 23, Lee, who preferred using the name ‘Harper’ (to avoid being called ‘Nellie,’ she claims) found a literary agent for her autobiographical tale centered on a 20-year-old woman living in fictional Maycomb, Alabama. Agent Eugene Winick placed the work with J.B. Lippincott & Company … the publishing house whose stable of writers included such notables as Oscar Wilde, Jack London, and Rudyard Kipling.

It was at Lippincott that the most pivotal event of Harper Lee’s young life came to pass when her editor, Tay Hohoff, became enamored of the charming flashbacks-to-childhood described by “Go Set a Watchman’s” adult narrator, ‘Scout Finch.’ Hohoff wisely suggested that Lee re-write the story, using the voice of 8-year-old ‘Scout’ exclusively.

Because she was an eager, unpublished novelist, Harper Lee acquiesced immediately, and in later years, noted improbably that the unanticipated acclaim accompanying the altered book’s release was, “…just about as frightening as the quick, merciful [rejection] I’d expected.” 

Lee’s friend, Truman Capote With “Go Set a Watchman’s” narration now assigned to a child, and after the book was welded into a cohesive unit, the revision was re-named “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and published in 1960. The following year it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, an honor that Nelle Lee’s friend and former neighbor Truman Capote … for all his self-promotion and giant-sized ego … never achieved, and of which he was openly envious.

The book was soon filmed, and more honors ensued … primarily in the form of three Academy Awards, and the same number of Golden Globes.

In recent weeks the so-called ‘long lost’ original manuscript of “Go Set a Watchman” appears to have been ‘found’ by late-blooming lawyer Tonja Carter, 49, who graduated from the University of Alabama law school at the unlikely age of 40. An aggressive and highly protective attorney, Carter soon initiated lawsuits against those whom she saw as infringers on Harper Lee’s copyrights and the interests of her sister, lawyer Alice Finch Lee (Alice died in 2014 at 103—and was replaced as legal counsel by Tonja). Carter is also said abruptly to have issued an unofficial ‘order of protection’ against at least one of Nelle’s longtime friends.

As for author Lee, though partially disabled and reclusive, she appears to be satisfied with both Carter’s role as ‘front man,’ and the assurances of HarperCollins publisher Jonathan Burnham (Lippincott was acquired by Harper & Row in 1978) that the newly unearthed “…Watchman” draft is genuine, and needs only “…minor copy-editing.” It will provide Lee with an advance, in the words of Publisher’s Weekly editor Gabe Habash, “…of well into seven figures.” (Copy-editing is the procedure that ensures the logical progression of written events: If something unfolds on Monday, for instance, and happens again two days later, it can hardly be said to have recurred, ‘on Friday!’).

Oscar-winning Gregory Peck played lawyer Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962. Mary Badham portrays the 8-year-old Scout Among interested Long Island readers, and moviegoers there seems to be strong sentiment for the view expressed recently in the Washington Post: that 8-year-old ‘Scout Finch’ is a character whose development has been, “…full and complete.” Said Post columnist Alexandra Petri, “That’s the ‘Scout’ I want to remember—safe, contained within the covers of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’”

Newsday Book Editor Tom Beer, however, is non-judgmental regarding the forthcoming book that will retain “Mockingbird’s” original title, “Go Set a Watchman.” While reporting with meticulous accuracy on the 88-year-old Harper Lee (who now resides in an assisted living facility in Monroeville), Beer adopts a wait-and-see attitude concerning the 304-page sequel, priced at $27.99, and due July 14 from HarperCollins.

In a feature article typically headlined, “‘TO KILL’ AGAIN,” The New York Post reported unequivocally last week that the assumed one-book-wonder, “Harper Lee did write another novel—a ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ sequel that she actually penned before her famed prizewinner.”

There has been persistent speculation, however, that Lee’s childhood chum, Truman Capote, might actually be the more logical creator of the tale inspired by, and set in their humble hometown. 

Prof. Wayne Flynt, Auburn UniversityRetired professor Wayne Flynt of Auburn University, himself a Pulitzer Prize nominee, disputes the theory. He has told NPR News that Capote, in a 1959 letter to his aunt, stated he had seen Lee’s novel and liked it very much. Moreover, nowhere in that letter does the author of “In Cold Blood,” (the book for which Harper Lee contributed considerable research, by the way) claim any involvement with Lee’s book … though Capote almost certainly was sufficiently gifted to have assumed her writing style if he so chose.

Obviously, many principals in this 50-year-old sequence of events have died, retired, or been replaced in their business functions—as in the case of attorney Alice Finch Lee who was supplanted by Tonja Carter. For these reasons, and because author Harper Lee is such a private person (oddly, she has steadfastly refused to speak whenever publicly feted), resolution of any skepticism surrounding Lee and her Pulitzer will likely be left to language scholars. They, rather than historians, are probably better equipped to investigate and analyze the matter.

Lee’s reticence is a key reason why the sudden appearance of “Go Set a Watchman” is considered such a tantalizing development in literary circles.

In any event, and in many ways, the mystery that has grown up around the iconic “…Mockingbird” and now “…Watchman,” is becoming as interesting as anything Lee or Capote (or the unlikely duo in concert) could have composed for our collective edification.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of ten novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his current thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries. Ladouceur’s tenth novel THE QUANTUM SYNDROME, suggested by the Atlanta child killings of the 80’s, is due in mid-April.

Smithtown Has A New Town Comptroller Donald Musgnug

Donald MusgnugTown Board members, in a rare sign of unanimity, appointed Donald Musgnug to the position of Smithtown Town Comptroller on Tuesday, February 10.  The position has been vacant since former comptroller Louis Necroto left at the end of January. Mr.Musgnug’s appointment became effective on February 10 (pending a medical exam and drug test) and ends on December 31, 2015. He will receive a $100,000 salary. 

The new comptroller is a certified public accountant with a background that includes auditing the Town of Smithtown. He has a long history in government having served as a councilman in the Town of Huntington from 1994- 1997. Prior to serving as councilman he was the chief financial officer for the Suffolk County Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation from 1984- 1990. He started his career in Manhattan before taking a position at Ernst & Young, had a solo practice in Pt. Jefferson for ten years before merging with Peare & Heller Financial Services. He eventually took a position with the Hauppauge based Fuoco Group. 

According to the NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s  guide for local officials, “… a comptroller takes over certain duties that otherwise would be the responsibility of the town board and town clerk. These duties include auditing, allowing or rejecting claims; preparing abstracts; and filing claims and other related functions. The duties of a town comptroller also include auditing the books and records of town officers and employees who received or disbursed moneys during the fiscal year (Town Law, Section 34). The town board may also take action to confer certain other duties upon the town comptroller, such as being the accounting officer for the town.”

Supervisor Vecchio was not at the Tuesday meeting to cast his vote; however, Mr. Musgnug told Smithtown Matters that he had a phone conversation with the Supervisor prior to the Tuesday meeting.  The new comptroller was invited by Councilman McCarthy  to speak to board members prior to the vote on his appointment.  Mr.Musgnug used the opportunity to thank the board for their support “..I look forward to being a steady hand at the helm and working with each and every board member and the Cheif Financial Officer the Supervisor. If their is anything I can do as we go along do not hesitate to ask.”

Asked by Councilwoman Nowick to talk about his vision. Mr. Musgnug said, “My vision , I have significant things to learn. I will meet with the deputy comptroller and other members of the department and other department heads, keep the momentum going that the previous comptroller Louis Necroto started, strengthening internal controls and keeping an eye on expenditures….”

Town Councilman Ed Wehrheim questioned Mr. Musgnug about his familiarity with the work Louis Necroto was doing before he left.  “I think Lou Necroto was a good thinker and an honest man and I think he provided very professional judgement for the town. I did speak with him about several of the issues and I am supportive of the initiiatives he has enumerated to me.” said Donald Musgnug. 

Councilmembers offered the new comptroller support and encouragement. A smiling Mr. Musgnug went to work.

Commack Girl Scouts Pay It Forward With "Food From The Heart"

On February 7, 2015 the Girl Scouts of Commack participated in “Food from the Heart”. The troops donated baskets of food for the community. Each troop chose a theme and created a basket that contained items related to the theme. Troops made beautiful baskets with many different themes including  Italian, Mexican, dessert, movie night, soups,  etc..  The Commack Middle School club “Pay it Forward” will help distribute the baskets to the community. (click on photo to enlarge)

Rachel Rock Sets World Planking Record - 2 Hrs- 13 Minutes - 5 Seconds

Smithtown West Student Breaks World Record

Smithtown HSW senior and new Guinness world record-holder Rachel Rock (front, center) is congratulated by (L-R) HSW physical education teacher Deron Brown, her mother Janet Rock, father Robert Rock and brother Robert. Rachel set a new female world record for planking.Smithtown High School West senior Rachel Rock is a world record holder. Before a small audience of family, friends, staff and schoolmates who gathered in the school gymnasium on Feb. 6, Rachel set the women’s world record for the longest time holding the abdominal plank position. Her time was 2 hours, 13 minutes and 5 seconds, breaking a record previously held by Eva Bulzomi of Boise, Idaho.

Rachel, a student with many interests, including art, music, poetry and science, has enjoyed abdominal planking at home for the past few years. She enjoys it because it allows her to stay in shape while multitasking. In fact, as Rachel was breaking the record, she was simultaneously watching a chemistry lesson on her laptop. Rachel is also a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and member of three honor societies with several AP classes already completed. 

According to her mother, Janet Rock, she’s also completed a science research program at Stony Brook University, advanced to the semifinal round at the LIU Post Neurology Bee, viewed a stem cell transplant in New York City, created a mural that was displayed at the Sweetbriar Nature Center and recently scored a perfect 150 on a psychology paper. She has applied to the top research schools in the country including George Washington, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, University of Chicago and Yale. 

 Smithtown HSW senior and new Guinness world record-holder Rachel Rock (front, center) is congratulated by (L-R) HSW physical education teacher Deron Brown, her mother Janet Rock, father Robert Rock and brother Robert. Rachel set a new female world record for planking.HSW physical education teacher Deron Brown learned of Rachel’s interest in planking and encouraged her to go for the record. Brown, along with Principal John Coady and her family and friends were among the first of many spectators on hand to congratulate Rachel when she broke the record. Guinness World Records will review the recorded footage to confirm the results.

Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District

Mickey DeMartis A Hero To All Who Knew Him

Do you have a hero? Some people look up to sports figures,  actors, military personnel often referring to them as heroes. The criteria for labeling someone a hero is subjective and it’s very personal. 

Many Commack residents have identified Michael (Mickey) DeMartis as a hero and on January 19 they honored Mickey posthumously by having  Wyoming Street, the block where he grew up, named Mickey’s Way.  

In an emotional ceremony a group of fifty plus people joined together to celebrate the life of Mickey and to mourn his loss. 

Calling it an update, Mickey’s dad, Mike DeMartis brought everyone to tears as he began the ceremony with “Mickey, it’s Dad.” The heartbreak was palatable.  

Mickey DeMartis died in December of 2011 at the age of 28. He was born in 1983 and was diagnosed with significant congenital heart defects.  During his short life he experienced eight open-heart surgeries and fifty-five cardiac catheterizations. He had his first surgery at six months of age his last was at the age of 17.  Mickey graduated from Commack HS in 2001 and attended Farmingdale State College. He died December 12, 2011, six months before he was to graduate.  

Family and friends describe Mickey as a fighter who never gave up. He was loved by everyone and returned that love generously. He was wise for his age, having experienced hardships that most of us will never experience. “I have learned to live my life one day at a time because I have learned how precious life can be and should never be taken for granted.” Mickey DeMartis.

Mickey’s life ended too soon. For his family and friends, neighbors and classmates his life was a life of meaning. Several people at the ceremony wore shirts with words that guided Mickey’s life, “You just have to keep on fighting and never give up.” Despite never being able to play baseball, never being able to ride a bicycle, despite suffering a stroke and paralysis in his senior year of high school Mickey never gave up.

Overcoming life’s challenges, never giving up, living for the day and never forgetting to say “I love you”, most people say are qualities that make someone a hero.

Mickey DeMartis is a Commack Hero.

Mickey’s sister Tracy Passamenti had this to say at the January 19 ceremony.

“This day is a national holiday to pay tribute to a man (Martin Luther King Jr.) who fought hard every day for equality. He never gave up his on fight because it was too important. He will never be forgotten .

Another man made it his mission in life to teach people to never give up on their fight in life. That person is my brother, Mickey DeMartis. Despite the many battles he had to face he never gave up. Today, we are honoring Mickey as we rename the street that he grew up on. It will be known as “Mickey’s Way”. Those words chosen will make me think every time I go down that street about the WAY in which he lived and how he constantly helped others to see the WAY out of difficulties.

They said that street naming is not even considered unless it was sadly a fallen soldier. My brother was a soldier. He battled 8 open heart surgeries, 55 cardiac catheterizations by age 28 and WON them all. He had to fight every day just to survive and yet put that aside to help others. He deserves this most amazing honor. We should all take a moment to be thankful for these two men today who undoubtedly changed our world for the better.” (Mickey DeMartis FB)

In addition to the naming of Wyoming St. as Mickey’s Way there is a $20,000 annual scholarship awarded in Mickey’s name at Commack High School, and a room at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital has been dedicated to Mickey DeMartis.