In Statement, Harper Lee Backs New Novel

Harper Lee has issued a new statement expressing her happiness with the publication of her second novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” amid growing speculation that the fiercely private novelist may have been pressured into signing over publication rights for the book.

“I’m alive and kicking and happy as hell with the reactions to ‘Watchman,’ ” Ms. Lee, 88, said in a statement that she is said to have given to her lawyer, Tonja Carter, on Wednesday when Ms. Carter visited her at an assisted-living facility in Monroeville, Ala.

“I don’t think that anybody that says she’s demented has been to see her in the last 10 years,” Mr. Flynt said. “The problem may be that almost nobody goes to see her, almost nobody gets in. She’s such a private person.”

Jennifer Crossley Howard contributed reporting.

The New York Times