The Man In The Glass Booth Novel
The Plot of the Novel
"The Man in the Glass Booth" is a novel written by Robert Shaw in 1967. The novel revolves around Arthur Goldman, a wealthy Jewish businessman who is accused of being a Nazi war criminal. The story is set in the 1960s, when many Nazi war criminals were still at large and being hunted down by authorities.
The novel begins with Goldman's arrest and subsequent trial. Throughout the trial, Goldman maintains his innocence and denies any knowledge of the atrocities committed during the war. However, as the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Goldman's past is not as clean as he has claimed it to be.
The novel deals with themes of guilt, identity, and the nature of justice. Goldman's character is complex and layered, and the reader is challenged to question their own beliefs about morality and the role of the law in society.
The Inspiration Behind the Novel
Robert Shaw was inspired to write "The Man in the Glass Booth" after seeing a play called "Kaspar" by Peter Handke. The play dealt with similar themes of guilt and identity, and Shaw was intrigued by the idea of exploring these themes in the context of a war criminal trial.
Shaw was also influenced by the real-life trial of Adolf Eichmann, a high-ranking Nazi official who was captured by Israeli agents in 1960 and brought to trial in Israel. Eichmann's trial was widely publicized and brought attention to the issue of bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.
The Reception of the Novel
"The Man in the Glass Booth" was a critical success and was nominated for the National Book Award in 1968. The novel was praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes.
The novel was also adapted into a play, which premiered on Broadway in 1968. The play was well-received and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1969.
The Legacy of the Novel
"The Man in the Glass Booth" remains a thought-provoking and relevant novel today. Its themes of guilt, identity, and the nature of justice are still relevant in contemporary society, and the novel continues to challenge readers to question their own beliefs about these issues.
The novel has also inspired other works of art, including a film adaptation in 1975 and a television adaptation in 1976.
Conclusion
"The Man in the Glass Booth" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes of guilt, identity, and the nature of justice. Robert Shaw's writing is intricate and layered, and his characters are complex and multidimensional. The novel remains relevant today and continues to inspire readers to question their own beliefs about morality and the law.