Harper Lee Book summary

Nelle Harper Lee was born in 1926, and wrote a number of novels. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is by far her most famous work.  

Her first name is that of her grandmother’s name, spelled backwards, while her middle name was given in tribute to the pediatrician who had saved the life of her sister, Louise, a few years before. She is related to General Robert E. Lee.  

Her father was a lawyer who also served in the Alabama State Legislature, very similar to the character of Atticus in “Mockingbird.”  

She helped to develop the career of fellow author (and actor) Truman Capote. Capote is represented in “Mockingbird” as the character “Dill.”  

She never married, and had no known romantic relationships. She passed away in 2016.