
NPR's Book of the Day These previously unpublished Harper Lee stories were discovered in her NYC apartment
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Nov 6, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Casey Cep, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and editor of The Land of Sweet Forever, dives into the fascinating world of Harper Lee's previously unpublished stories discovered in her NYC apartment. She discusses how these eight short stories offer early glimpses of beloved characters Scout and Atticus, revealing their developmental roots before To Kill a Mockingbird. Cep also highlights how this new material sheds light on Lee's personality and her vibrant social life in New York.
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Lost Drafts Found In NYC Apartment
- Harper Lee's early stories were found in her New York City apartment after she died and survived despite rumors she destroyed drafts.
- Casey Cep describes these pieces as lucky survivors from Lee's struggling-writer years in the city.
Pairing Early Stories With Later Essays
- The collection pairs eight early stories with eight later essays to show Lee's development and range.
- Cep says this juxtaposition reveals both her growth as a writer and breadth as a public figure.
Scout's Voice Appears Early
- The opening of "The Pinking Shears" shows a young girl defending cutting another girl's hair, already echoing Scout's voice.
- Cep reads lines that demonstrate Scout-like pluck and early legal themes learned from her father.



