First published 2002
Sir Alfred Dreyfus once led one of England's most prestigious schools. Now he sits in a prison cell, convicted of a terrible crime that has destroyed his reputation and his life. Literary agent Sam Temple arrives to visit the fallen educator, expecting to find a man ready to tell his story. Instead, Temple discovers someone who has sunk into complete despair. The meeting between these two men sets the stage for an exploration of guilt, innocence, and the weight of public shame. Dreyfus must confront not only his circumstances but also the question of whether redemption remains possible when the world has already judged you guilty. The story examines how a single accusation can unravel a lifetime of achievement and respectability, leaving its protagonist to grapple with the ruins of everything he once held dear.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, crime, biographical-fiction, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: England
Period: 20th Century
Audio CD · Isis Audio