Wayne Flynt, professor emeritus of history at Auburn University and friend of Harper Lee, spoke at the Auburn Public Library on July 20.
Lee is the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Go Set a Watchman,” which came out earlier this month.
Flynt, talked in depth about “Go Set a Watchman,” including the success of the book. He talked about what surprised him about the book and his interpretations of parts of the book.
He also reflected on some personal stories. Flynt was in school in Florida when the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church happened in 1963. After this, Flynt said he told his wife they would never go back to Alabama.
Months after he said this, Flynt read “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
“I guarantee you the reason that I came back to Alabama was because of Harper Lee,” Flynt said.
He said he realized after he read the book that he had been too harsh before.
He also accepted questions the audience had about the book and Harper Lee.
“He’s very much a primary source regarding ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and ‘Go Set a Watchman,’” said Chis Warren, library director.
Warren said there were more than 240 people at the event, and they were expecting 100. He said this was the most people at an event for an adult program.
“Flynt was chosen in part because of his association with Harper Lee and the fact that he has spoken with her personally,” Warren said.
The idea for the event came from reference librarian Ashley Brown. She said the library hoped to have Flynt speak a few years ago when they were possibly receiving a grant. They didn’t end up receiving the grant, but she still wanted Flynt to come speak and said she thought this summer was a good time.
After speaking, Flynt signed copies of his books.
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