When “To Kill a Mockingbird” was first published in 1960, it was one of the most widely read books in America, even going so far as to win the Pulitzer Prize. The protagonist of the story, Atticus Finch, serves as one of the most iconic heroes in fiction to this day. In 2006, British librarians ranked the book ahead of the Bible as one “every adult should read before they die” and it was adapted into an Oscar winning film in 1962.

Yet surprisingly, it was thought to be the only novel that Lee would ever write, despite its widespread success. The renowned author kept this mindset until just recently; a sequel to the novel was uncovered. The novel, named “Go Set a Watchman,” will feature an adult Scout returning to the south to visit her father, an older Atticus Finch.

However, in a surprising turn, it was revealed that Watchman was actually written before Mockingbird. “My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout’s childhood (in Watchman) persuaded me to write a novel from the point of view of the young Scout,” said Lee, as quoted by Jeremy Gerard.

Questions were raised over Lee actually wanting to publish the novel, and some say it may have something to do with the recent death of her beloved older sister, Alice, as well as health problems that have developed in her old age.

Literary agent Andrew Nurnberg was quoted by FOX news as saying Harper was, “feisty” and enthusiastic about her new book. “I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years,” Lee was quoted as saying.

The book is to be published on July 14 of this year.