I am currently engaged in reading the Kurdish translation, and to be honest, it is rather chaotic. The improper use of pronouns has made the story a bit clumsily presented. It delves into how a rational and normal observer might have witnessed the events that took place during the time of Christ. Although I don't regret reading it, I wouldn't recommend it to others unless they have a genuine interest in the subject matter.

When I reflect on it, it's like a melancholy melody. You are well aware that it's sad and futile, yet you still don't object to listening to it. This is because you can identify with the protagonist. He was a solitary individual in search of a sense of belonging. From the moment he was born, the world seemed to reject him. And later, due to his tough exterior, which he had developed in order to survive and refuse to give up, people further shunned his existence. He was truly yearning for a place to belong and to experience unconditional love, but unfortunately, that was far beyond his grasp. Social life is analogous to a snowball; the longer it rolls downhill, the larger it becomes, and the more difficult it is to bring to a halt. Hmm, yes, I don't think I have any qualms about having read it.

A short novel about seeking and not finding, about the longing to believe and the inability to do so, about the power of fate that will save you once but in the end you will end up just as you were meant to end, about life after death among the living.

The book is about the longing to fill the inner void, but every such attempt only throws you into an even greater void, about the search for truth that you are unable to see and feel. A book about inner nothingness.

It is a quick read, in one, at most two afternoons or evenings, but for longer reflection. And paradoxically, it is not about religion at all.

Context: After a long time, something from 1001 again.

The first sentence: "We all know how those three hung on the cross and who was gathered around them: his mother Mary, then Mary Magdalene, Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross, and Joseph of Arimathea, who later buried the crucified one."

The last sentence: "And then he breathed his last."

I read this borrowed out-of-print novel for a book club read.

Oh boy. Where to begin? Par Lagerkvist apparently won the Nobel Prize for other work. Based on this book, quite frankly, I am baffled. This story is only 148 pages long (thank goodness), but very little actually happens. Barabbas, the man whose life was spared when Jesus Christ was crucified instead, wrestles with deep spiritual questions based on what he has seen and experienced. The psychological study is well done, but it drags at this length. My copy is the "movie version," advertising for the epic with Anthony Quinn as the lead. I can only imagine it has a radically different plot.

This book also reminds me of other 1950s historical fiction books I read years ago that are very male-centered. In this book, only Barabbas and a few other men have names. The women are mere tokens for sexual pleasure (like "the fat lady") and martyrdom (such as "the hare-lipped girl"). Barabbas's own mother was gang-raped and then given to a brothel, and then gave birth to Barabbas in the street. How he knows that much of his dark history is unclear.

All this criticism stated, though, I think this will be an interesting book to discuss in the club. I'm especially interested in what the elderly pastor who suggested this book will say, because he always brings some thought-provoking insights. I don't have to like a book to learn something from it, and I'm hopeful for that outcome.

I started reading this book without expecting anything special from it. I hadn't read any reviews or critiques beforehand, and I've been pleasantly surprised. It's not because the author is a Nobel laureate, as I've read works by Nobel laureates that didn't move me in the slightest.

Barrabas is introduced to us on the very day of the crucifixion, dazed and strangely attracted to the man who took his place on the cross. He follows and accompanies him until he dies, not exactly knowing why he is doing it. That's where his story begins, his confusion, his search, and finally his condemnation.

He is rejected by the very same Christians. Jesus took his place without him asking for it. It wasn't Barrabas' choice; he was used by a greater plan. I felt a lot of pity for the solitude in which he lives, the search for faith, which is basically the main theme of the book, the search for faith.

Throughout the book, we find characters who, due to their situation of need (sick, poor, or rejected), find it easy to believe in the promise of the "teacher." They are more vulnerable to his words and find that faith they so desperately need, like a crutch, an escape, a promise of a better life. But not so for Barrabas. He has had a difficult life, it's true, but in his own way, he had become accustomed and had accepted his destiny.

In conclusion, it's a book that's worth reading. At least for me, it has given me a lot to think about, and I love books that stir you from the bottom, shake you up, and force you to analyze.

The pearl of Scandinavian existentialism, not for the first and not for the last time I read it and still somehow it very much touches me. It is about freedom and its burden, about the darkness and the light that hide in our eyes.

Existentialism has always been a profound and thought-provoking philosophy, and this work from Scandinavia is no exception. It delves deep into the human condition, exploring the complex emotions and experiences that shape our lives.

The concept of freedom is central to this piece, highlighting both its liberating power and the responsibilities that come with it. The description of the darkness and light within us adds a layer of depth and mystery, making us question our own nature and the world around us.

Whether read in Lithuanian or any other language, this work has the ability to resonate with readers on a deep level, inspiring us to reflect on our own existence and the choices we make.

Barabbas is a well-known work by Par Lagerkvist.

This article likely provides a review or analysis of this particular piece of literature.

It might discuss the plot, characters, themes, and writing style of Barabbas.

Perhaps it delves into the historical and cultural context in which the story is set.

The link provided, https://booknation.ro/recenzie-baraba-de-par-lagerkvist/, may lead to a more in-depth exploration of the book.

Readers can click on it to access additional information and perspectives.

Overall, this article serves as an introduction or summary of Barabbas, piquing the interest of those who may be interested in reading the book or learning more about it.

2,75
https://booknation.ro/recenzie-baraba...

With Barabbas, my reading of the in-print English editions of Lagerkvist's works is—sadly—complete. I embarked on this literary journey with The Dwarf, which immediately captivated me with its unique perspective. Then, I delved into the stories in The Marriage Feast, some of which were truly outstanding, leaving a lasting impression on my mind. Recently, I read The Sibyl, although it didn't quite measure up to the others, especially when compared to the remarkable tales in The Marriage Feast.

Barabbas, the story of the man who was condemned to death but had Jesus Christ crucified in his place at the last moment, is among Lagerkvist's finer works. It explores profound themes such as guilt, redemption, and the human condition in a thought-provoking manner.

Fortunately, I have several of his other works in electronic form. So, despite not being able to physically order the in-print editions anymore (thanks to the uncooperative behavior of some people), I will eagerly continue my exploration of Lagerkvist's literary world. I look forward to uncovering more of his masterpieces and being further enlightened by his brilliant writing.

3.5 stars.

Barabbas is a short and easy-to-read novel that delves into the life of the thief who was supposed to be crucified but was given a reprieve when Jesus took his place. Barabbas is a tormented outcast, constantly haunted by the idea of a god whom he neither fully accepts nor rejects.

After his release, Barabbas becomes a loner, wandering the earth in search of meaning and purpose. He is recognized by the followers of Jesus, but initially, they reject him. However, as the story progresses, Barabbas begins to question his own beliefs and actions, and he starts to form a connection with the teachings of Jesus.

This book, which was first published in 1950 in Sweden, is a worthwhile read. It offers a unique perspective on the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus and the life of one of the most infamous characters in the Bible.

In 1951, Lagerkvist was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for his body of work, which includes this novel. The Nobel Committee praised his "artistic vigour and true independence of mind" in its citation.

I have waited for more than two years to read this book.

Barabbas, a book by Pär Lagerkvist, commences with the premise that a life marred by a capital sin is condemned to be lived in anguish and devoid of fulfillment, ultimately leading to an unhappy death. The protagonist, Barabbas, represents the quintessence of the sinner - a thief and a lowly individual, incapable of comprehension and redemption.

The premise and the plot choice are indeed good and interesting. However, the text suffers from a fatal flaw. The main plot and characters are hardly believable. For instance, at one moment, Barabbas elucidates his inability to believe with an odd lucidity, while at another, he behaves like a beast. The numerous inconsistencies throughout the story raise questions.

The explanations of the actions' meanings are force-fed to the reader, and this reviewer simply cannot accept many of them. The writing is extremely dry, lacking in vividness and nuance. It is not until approximately two-thirds into the novel that the first figure of speech, a metaphor, appears.

Overall, it is a good story that has been poorly executed, resulting in a rather disappointing experience, much like a poor night at the opera.

Barabbas answered at last, "I have no god." But when asked why he bore the "Christos Iesus" carved on his disk, he said, "Because I want to believe." He wanted to believe, yet he did not understand.

"Love one another" was the message of the crucified man, but what could that mean to Barabbas, who had been hated from birth and never felt an emotional connection? It was too much for him to fathom.

He was caught up in events beyond his comprehension, unable to believe in the messiah like others, yet burdened by guilt and spiritual torment. His struggle was similar to that of the whiskey priest.

Barabbas's life was closely entwined with that of the crucified man. When he was allowed to live, the other had to die. One died among friends and followers, while Barabbas lived and died alone, trapped in the realm of the dead.

On one hand, Barabbas witnessed these events but couldn't make sense of them. On the other hand, there were followers who believed strongly based on hearsay. Lagerkvist explored the nature of faith through this ensemble, showing how some believe too easily and others are too cautious.

The book can be read as a story about a man's inner struggle. Lagrekvist told the story from Barabbas's naive perspective, presenting a multi-layered and deep story. Barabbas's view gives readers much to think about.

PS: The book has the approval of André Gide.

And they had then a famous prisoner named Barabbas.

So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them: "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?"

But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to destroy Jesus.

Then the governor answered and said to them: "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said: "Barabbas!"

Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he scourged and delivered to be crucified.

This is an amazing story.

I have been convinced of it since the beginning.

From the first page, you can feel how wonderful it is.

The story tells about the constant struggle

between faith and unbelief

inside Barabbas,

the criminal, the vile one who saw but did not believe.

And when the time came,

he was crucified.

It is a very interesting story, despite its extremely small size.

Of course, I wished it was bigger.

But it's okay.

A very good experience with Bar Lagerkvist,

and it won't be the last.

I had a bit of difficulty with the prose at first, but after a few chapters, I really got into the story. I would have liked it to explore Barabbas and the other characters in more depth, but I feel that the book did a lot with the few pages it had. I was very moved several times, but perhaps I feel that it could have done more.

I wonder if it might have hit harder if I knew more about Bible lore or was more involved in Christianity?

It's interesting to note how our personal knowledge and beliefs can influence our perception of a literary work. While I enjoyed the book, I can't help but think that a deeper understanding of the religious context might have enhanced my experience even further.

Nonetheless, the author managed to create a captivating narrative that held my attention throughout. The story of Barabbas is a fascinating one, and I'm glad that I took the time to read this book.

Perhaps in the future, I'll explore more works that deal with religious themes and see how my understanding and appreciation grow.