First chapter of Harper Lee novel unveiled online

(AFP/CS) The first chapter of author Harper Lee's new book is now available to read online.

It was published Friday in The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian and readers have the option of listening to an audio version narrated by US actress Reese Witherspoon on both sites.

The novel, which revives Atticus Finch and Scout from her illustrious book "To Kill a Mockingbird", is Lee's first published work in more than 50 years.

In the book, Scout, now an adult, returns to her hometown from New York to see her ailing 72-year-old father Atticus. Details of the plot, have, however, been kept secret. The early release of the first chapter gives some insight, as Scout ponders marriage and is deeply affected by her father's agony.

Racial segregation is set to continue playing a role in the "Mockingbird" follow-up, now seen from the perspective of a grown-up Scout, adding a new nuance compared to the child's views in Lee's first novel.

The release of "Go Set a Watchman" is meanwhile also surrounded by controversy, as there have been allegations that Lee was pushed into handing over the manuscript. The state of Alabama at the time investigated for elder abuse, but later declared the allegations as unfounded.

"Go Set a Watchman" is due out on July 14.