Born in 1901 in Dorset, Sally Carson was an ordinary young woman who, without any claim to prophetic powers, crafted a novel that eerily captured the impending disaster in Europe. In Crooked Cross, Carson envisioned the rapid expansion of the Nazi threat, setting her narrative against the backdrop of a German family’s delicate struggle during an uncertain economic period and the personal turmoil that follows when a promising engagement is jeopardized due to the Jewish heritage of the prospective husband.
Carson's novel, taking its title from the distinctive shape of the swastika, quickly garnered critical acclaim. Reviewed favorably in publications such as the Observer, critics praised its balance between storytelling and an unbiased portrayal of historical events, allowing the narrative to speak for itself without resorting to overt propaganda. The novel’s dramatic evolution into a stage play further extended its impact, even though it underwent censorship that removed explicit Nazi slogans, a decision that stirred controversy among rightwing groups in Britain who decried its negative depiction of the Nazi regime.
After years of relative neglect in cultural archives, Crooked Cross was rediscovered by Nicola Beauman, a biographer and founder of Persephone Books. Today, the novel is set for republication ahead of the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, and a professional staged reading of its dramatization is planned, marking the first public presentation of the play since its original West End production. Carson, whose personal life included early career roles in dance teaching and publishing as well as memorable stays in Bavaria, also penned two sequels before her untimely death at the age of 39, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
9 Comments
Donatello
Carson's own life is shrouded in mystery. We know little about her motivations for writing the novel or her personal views on the Nazi regime. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the novel's true significance.
Michelangelo
The novel's focus on the individual experience ignores the collective responsibility we all have to prevent future atrocities. We must work together to build a world where such tragedies can never happen again.
Leonardo
The novel's republication is a dangerous distraction from the very real threats of fascism and antisemitism that we face today. We must remain vigilant and continue to fight for a more just and equitable world.
Raphael
The republication of the novel is a necessary act of remembrance. We must never forget the victims of the Holocaust and their families.
Leonardo
The censorship of the play is a reminder of the dangers of silencing dissenting voices. While the Nazi regime was undoubtedly evil, it's important to engage in open and honest dialogue about its history.
Donatello
The republication of the novel is a step backwards in our understanding of the Holocaust. It is time to move beyond simplistic narratives and engage with the complexities of this dark chapter in human history.
Michelangelo
The novel's focus on the personal struggles of a German family during the Nazi era risks downplaying the broader scope of the Holocaust. This can lead to a distorted understanding of the event.
Leonardo
The novel's portrayal of the complexities of the Nazi regime is nuanced and thought-provoking. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our own capacity for both good and evil.
Donatello
The novel's enduring popularity is a testament to the human capacity for forgetting and denial. We must not allow ourselves to forget the horrors of the past, lest we repeat them.