First-Person Intrigue

By Jean Kavich Bloom

Over the last couple of weeks I finally, for the first time, read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I didn’t read it only because of all the hoopla around the recent release of Go Set a Watchman written by Lee; I read it for two other reasons as well: first, because I was fascinated by reports of how the author's editor helped her shape the original manuscript into what became this Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, and second, because the book is written in first person, in the voice of Scout aka Jean Louise Finch.

The first-person point of view has always been a favorite of mine in literature. It puts me deep into the leading character's thoughts and feelings about his or her world, about his or her perceived place as one pebble in God's vast sands of life. Where not everything is known but every happening and circumstance is observed and experienced, creating happiness or sadness, success or struggle. In other words, the book is written like any of us would write a memoir, though perhaps fictional characters reveal much more of their inner life than any of us would dare.

To Kill a Mockingbird did not disappoint; it is worthy of all its accolades. Reading it also prompted me to think about other intriguing first-person novels I have read, often in coming-of-age novels. Here is a sampling:

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•  Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
• Rebecca (Daphne Du Maurier)
• The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
• The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
• The Help (Kathryn Stockett, multiple first-person POVs)
• Into the Free (Julie Cantrell)

The next first-person novel I plan to read is The Maltese Falcon, at the recommendation of my son. He tells me this Dashiell Hammett work is a quintessential mystery. Even though it is not written by Agatha Christie, my all-time favorite mystery writer, I am going to give it a try. The prospect of relishing another first-person classic calls me to my reading chair.

So I am wondering, do any of you particularly like first-person novels as well, and if so, what are some of your favorites? Do you write fiction in first person? If so, why did you make that choice? Last, can you recommend any good Christian novels written in first person—even your own? After reading The Maltese Falcon, I'm going to need another first-person gem!

After twenty-four years with publishing house Zondervan in Grand Rapids, Michigan, most recently as an executive managing editor, Jean Bloom returned to Central Indiana to be near family and take her freelance editorial business full-time (Bloom in Words Editorial Services). Her personal blog is Bloom in Words too, where she often posts articles about the writing life. She and her husband, Cal, have three children and five grandchildren.

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A True Hero (by JoAnn Durgin)

One of my favorite books of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Published in 1960, it became a popular and enduring novel in American literature, winning the esteemed Pulitzer Prize. Although the book deals with tough issues such as rape and racial inequality, it also has endearing warmth and humor—two things I always incorporate in my own books. But the primary reason I love this great novel? The lead character, Atticus Finch, is a sigh-worthy hero in every sense of the word. 

A widower, Atticus patterned moral strength and deep integrity to his two children, Jem and Scout. As opposed to some of the tough modern day heroes in books, Atticus was a gentleman who wore three-piece suits, preferred to walk instead of drive, used his mind instead of his fists, and loved to read books, especially with his children. In his kids, Atticus fostered a sense of empathy, tolerance, respect and fair-mindedness. According to some accounts, Atticus is probably best remembered as an exemplary father.

As an avid reader of Christian romance, both historical and contemporary, I adore a hero who loves children. I’m talking about a man who does more than nod, smile and pat a child on the head. I’m referring to a man who really listens when a child speaks, a man who values their opinions and treats them with respect and honor instead of merely dismissing them.

The Bible has many verses about children and admonitions for men concerning raising children, and here are two of my personal favorites (ESV version):

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
~Proverbs 29:18

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ~Ephesians 6:4

I’ve decided to incorporate my admiration of Atticus Finch and my love of To Kill A Mockingbird into my current manuscript, Prelude, a short novel prequel to The Lewis Legacy Series. This is actually considered a historical piece since the setting is 1962 and my hero (Sam Lewis, the father of the core character in my series and his namesake) is an Air Force pilot returning home from the Vietnam War. I’m having a great time doing the research. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, this book will hopefully entertain as well as enlighten the faithful readers of my series as to some of the family history and highlight certain characteristics and qualities of both men. The heroine in Prelude (Sarah, mother of Sam Lewis) is reading To Kill A Mockingbird, and one way she bonds with the returning war hero is by discussing the book’s finer points.  

Have you ever included one of your favorite books, movies, etc. into your novels? If so (or if you plan on doing so in the future), I’d love to hear. Please share!

Blessings, friends.

~JoAnn Durgin
Matthew 5:16