An Officer and a Spy

Robert Harris

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An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris is a historical fiction novel that retells the infamous Dreyfus Affair in late 19th-century France. The story is narrated from the perspective of Colonel Georges Picquart, who becomes convinced of the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer wrongly accused of espionage. As Picquart delves deeper into the case, he uncovers corruption and deceit within the French military leadership, leading to a gripping tale of betrayal, injustice, and the pursuit of truth. The author skillfully weaves together historical events with fictional elements to create a compelling narrative that sheds light on the themes of anti-Semitism, government corruption, and the power of individuals to challenge authority.

The writing style of An Officer and a Spy is praised for its ability to capture the tension and drama of the unfolding events, making the historical story feel immediate and engaging. Readers appreciate the meticulous research done by Harris, which brings to life the complexities of the Dreyfus Affair and the political climate of the time. Through the character of Picquart, the novel explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of speaking truth to power, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.

Characters:

Characters are complex and relatable, with Georges Picquart as the protagonist seeking justice, while Alfred Dreyfus embodies the tragic victim of systemic injustice.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is smooth and engaging, incorporating crisp dialogue and detailed research, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the historical context.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the wrongful conviction of Alfred Dreyfus, showcasing the investigative journey of Georges Picquart, who unearths a conspiracy protecting the guilty.

Setting:

The setting is late 19th century France, focusing on the sociopolitical climate surrounding the Dreyfus Affair.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, starting slow but gradually building tension to an engaging and thrilling climax.

The sentry on the rue Saint-Dominique steps out of his box to open the gate and I run through a whirl of snow across the windy courtyard into the warm lobby of the hôtel de Brienne, where a sleek youn...

Notes:

The book is about the Dreyfus Affair, a major scandal in France during the late 19th century.

Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French Army, was falsely accused of treason.

He was convicted based on flimsy evidence and sentenced to life on Devil's Island.

Colonel Georges Picquart, who initially believed in Dreyfus's guilt, discovered evidence of his innocence later on.

Picquart faced immense opposition from military superiors when he attempted to clear Dreyfus's name.

The scandal was heavily influenced by rampant anti-Semitism in France at the time.

Emile Zola's famous 'J'accuse' letter challenged the military's miscarriage of justice and garnered public support for Dreyfus.

Dreyfus's trial and imprisonment reflected deeper societal issues and prejudices of the era.

The book highlights the lengths to which the military went to cover up their mistakes, including forgery and false evidence.

Picquart's investigation into Dreyfus's case is portrayed as both a personal and moral struggle, risking his career for justice.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of anti-Semitism, wrongful imprisonment, and other elements of oppression and injustice, which may be distressing.

From The Publisher:

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

A whistle-blower. A witch hunt. A cover-up. Secret tribunals, out-of-control intelligence agencies, and government corruption. Welcome to 1890s Paris.

Alfred Dreyfus has been convicted of treason, sentenced to life imprisonment on a far-off island, and publicly stripped of his rank. Among the witnesses to his humiliation is Georges Picquart, an ambitious military officer who believes in Dreyfus's guilt as staunchly as any member of the public. But when he is promoted to head of the French counter-espionage agency, Picquart finds evidence that a spy still remains at large in the military-indicating that Dreyfus is innocent. As evidence of the most malignant deceit mounts and spirals inexorably toward the uppermost levels of government, Picquart is compelled to question not only the case against Dreyfus but also his most deeply held beliefs about his country, and about himself.

Winner of the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction

Winner of the American Library in Paris Book Award

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About the Author:

ROBERT HARRIS is the author of twelve novels: Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, Imperium, The Ghost Writer, Conspirata, The Fear Index, An Officer and a Spy, Dictator, Conclave, and Munich. Several of his books have been adapted to film, most recently The Ghost. His work has been…

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