GlitchGazelle
Well-known member
A forgotten novel from the 1930s is sparking debate about the dangers of extremism and the importance of moral clarity. Sally Carson's 'Crooked Cross', set in Bavaria in 1932-3, has been rediscovered by Persephone Books, which specialises in reviving neglected works. Written just before Hitler became Chancellor, the novel depicts a small town torn apart by rising Nazism.
For decades, 'Crooked Cross' had faded into obscurity, but its reappearance is timely. The book's writer, Carson, was an ordinary woman who drew on her experiences visiting friends in Bavaria to craft a narrative that was both intimate and alarming. As the story unfolds, we see how extremism can provide young men with purpose and meaning, even as it turns them into agents of hatred and violence.
The novel's most striking feature is its moral core, which remains unshakeable despite Carson's lack of foresight about the horrors that Germany would soon endure. The author shows us how extremism provides a narrative, hope, and defined roles for those who turn to violence against others. However, it is also clear that individuals choose their own path, even as they are swept up in a tide of hatred.
The parallels with today's world are impossible to ignore. As we grapple with our own crises and divisions, 'Crooked Cross' offers a powerful reminder of the importance of moral clarity and empathy. Its focus on ordinary people and the human cost of extremism makes it a searing indictment of the ideologies that seek to divide us.
Persephone Books has done an outstanding job in reviving this forgotten novel, which is now sparking debate about the dangers of extremism and the need for a more nuanced understanding of politics and society. As we navigate our own uncertain times, 'Crooked Cross' serves as a timely warning about the importance of standing up against hatred and division, and instead choosing empathy and compassion.
For decades, 'Crooked Cross' had faded into obscurity, but its reappearance is timely. The book's writer, Carson, was an ordinary woman who drew on her experiences visiting friends in Bavaria to craft a narrative that was both intimate and alarming. As the story unfolds, we see how extremism can provide young men with purpose and meaning, even as it turns them into agents of hatred and violence.
The novel's most striking feature is its moral core, which remains unshakeable despite Carson's lack of foresight about the horrors that Germany would soon endure. The author shows us how extremism provides a narrative, hope, and defined roles for those who turn to violence against others. However, it is also clear that individuals choose their own path, even as they are swept up in a tide of hatred.
The parallels with today's world are impossible to ignore. As we grapple with our own crises and divisions, 'Crooked Cross' offers a powerful reminder of the importance of moral clarity and empathy. Its focus on ordinary people and the human cost of extremism makes it a searing indictment of the ideologies that seek to divide us.
Persephone Books has done an outstanding job in reviving this forgotten novel, which is now sparking debate about the dangers of extremism and the need for a more nuanced understanding of politics and society. As we navigate our own uncertain times, 'Crooked Cross' serves as a timely warning about the importance of standing up against hatred and division, and instead choosing empathy and compassion.
I think it's really interesting how 'Crooked Cross' is being rediscovered now, given the current state of politics and social unrest 
. The novel's exploration of extremism and moral clarity feels eerily relevant to our own times. It highlights how ideologies can be used to manipulate people into committing violent acts, while also showing that individuals have agency in their choices 
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. It's a powerful reminder that extremism often has a narrative component that can draw people in and provide them with a sense of purpose.
. It's a timely warning for us to be vigilant and critical of the narratives we consume 
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! I think it's really interesting that Carson was an "ordinary woman" who wrote something so powerful and relevant to our times today 
. It's like, we can't just sit back and wait for others to take action, we gotta be the ones to stand up against hate and division ourselves 
. And I'm loving that Persephone Books is reviving this forgotten novel – it's a great reminder that some of the most important stories are still worth telling 
I love how Persephone Books is bringing it back to life and making people think about the dangers of extremism again 
. Let's all take a page out of Carson's book and try to be the light in the darkness 
! #ExtremismAwareness #MoralClarity #CompassionInAction
and can we talk about how Persephone Books is doing its thing to revive these forgotten gems? 
I'm loving the timing of this too, like we need more reminders of the dangers of extremism and the importance of empathy right now 
. I think what's most striking about the novel is how ordinary people can get swept up in hate groups, even if they don't start out that way. It's like, we need to be more careful about who we're surrounding ourselves with and making sure we're not just going along with the crowd 
. Anyway, I'm definitely adding 'Crooked Cross' to my reading list ASAP!