As with Par Lagerkvist's "The Dwarf," I have owned this first-printing paperback of "Barabbas" for decades.

After recently rereading "The Dwarf," I simply could not resist the urge to reread "Barabbas" as well.

"Barabbas" is a work of fiction, yet it is written with such remarkable skill and authenticity that it feels as if it were a true account.

The story delves into the life of Barabbas after he is acquitted from crucifixion, and it is truly a captivating exploration.

One can't help but be drawn into Barabbas' world, experiencing his confusion, his struggle to come to terms with his newfound freedom, and his encounters with the events and people that shape his path.

The author's vivid descriptions and masterful storytelling bring Barabbas and his surroundings to life, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Was there any meaning in the life he lived? Not even that did he believe in. But this was something he knew nothing about. It was not for him to judge.

Despite its small size, this novel is a deep chasm of heavy thoughts and difficult questions. "Barabbas", widely regarded as the masterpiece of the Swedish author and 1951 Nobel laureate Par Lagerkvist, is a parable of the dilemma of faith. Barabbas, acquitted of murder, continues to live while Jesus is crucified in his place, and spends his life haunted by this single event. Although he is "damned lucky", with an emphasis on "damned", to be alive, he cannot help but feel that life is meaningless anyway and struggles to accept faith in this strange crucified man about whom he hears so much. Powerful and deeply moving, this novel offers a unique, detached perspective on religion and faith. It is a parable that is as poignant today as it was in the religious persecution days of ancient Rome, and can reach a reader regardless of their personal religious beliefs.

Lagerkvist built a successful career around challenging morality and faith in his readers. His prose is simple and direct, not wasting time with verbose passages, and cutting right to the heart, making every word count. This novel, which weighs in at only 144 pages, is overflowing with moral musings and feels more like an epic novel than a slim novella. He also manages to take a topic that is known for eliciting strong, passionate opinions from both sides of the spectrum and write about it in an objective, removed manner. For example, the opening chapter is the most chilling depiction of the crucifixion on Mouth Golgotha that I have ever encountered. Barabbas stands and witnesses the scene with cold indifference, not knowing anything about the man being crucified. Jesus is never named in the novel, being only referred to as the "dead man" or "crucified man", and it is strange to see him regarded in such an impersonal way, especially in a scene illustrating his violent death. In a way, this objective approach is necessary to suit the lead character, but it also makes the ideas easier to accept as they are not tainted by emotion or seem too one-sided. There are times when both Christians and atheists will feel that he is on their side, and other passages where they will find him seemingly aligned against them. I believe that this novel can work regardless of a religious opinion, but as always, one must keep an open mind and allow the novel to unfold. It delves into some very dark and disturbing places, and readers should be warned that the ironic, enigmatic conclusion is not a light at the end of the tunnel. This novel will challenge all beliefs and portray the world as a cruel, indifferent place as we follow Barabbas on his journey.

The idea of faith is the core of this novel. While Barabbas desperately wants to believe, he cannot. He cannot understand the meaning behind the doctrine to "love one another", simple as it may be, for he has no concept of love. He witnesses many powerful events, yet tries to find logical explanations for them. He also cannot fathom how, if a man was God, he would allow himself to die a slave's death, and furthermore, why he would allow his followers to suffer and be put to death as well. Lagerkvist lays out the foundation for the disbelief in God found in many people, yet offers slight glimpses of counterarguments: "He had used his power in the most extraordinary way. Used it by not using it, as it were; allowed others to decide exactly as they liked; refrained from interfering and yet had got his own way all the same…" (This may remind LOST fans of Jacob). This crisis of faith makes the world seem even more indifferent than he originally thought, "He was not bound together with anyone. Not with anyone at all in the whole world," and Lagerkvist fills the later portions of the novel with an ocean of lonely imagery.

Seemingly every word and event in this novel is a metaphor for religion, allowing it to work on multiple levels. Barabbas was "born hated" by parents who cared nothing for him, such as the mother who died in childbirth cursing the world and all in it. He is damned from the start, much like the idea of original sin. The accusers of those who are preaching the crucified man's doctrine are often blind or nearly blind. Pay attention to every detail, as there are many layers to this novel. The book also serves as a critique of modern times. The Christians in the book are persecuted for their faith, but primarily because it preaches that the lowest of citizens will be set free and equal with all those above them. Without understanding what this means, the Romans want to crush this belief as they want to keep the lepers, beggars, and other lower-class people oppressed. Lagerkvist is often critical of those in power, yet shows many of the leaders as decent people and that it is the system and standards that create the cruelty that those beneath them suffer. It is interesting how religion and the Roman government are juxtaposed in many scenes, often more to highlight their similarities than their differences. Lagerkvist is quite critical of Christians at times, showing many of the staunch followers to be rather hypocritical. They preach love and acceptance, yet seem very exclusive and unwelcoming to people who don't fit their mold, such as Barabbas and the girl with the hare-lip.

I had read this novel intending it to be a quick escape after finishing Joyce's epic novel, yet found myself caught up in the burdensome queries posed by this novel. Lagerkvist has a gift for evoking such strong emotions with so few words. If you enjoy exploring faith, this is the book for you. It is a journey through suffering, offering both hope and crushing visions of the world and death as a meaningless void. I will definitely be returning to Lagerkvist's novels soon, as his simple prose style and layered meanings are too wonderful to read only one of his books. 4/5

I hope I didn't raise anyone's blood pressure with this review. Please know that I had no intention of conveying any opinions regarding religion, either for or against, and was simply trying to review a book with a difficult message. Anything said in this review was without the desire to dispute, argue, or impose any beliefs, but just to detail the literary merits of this wonderful novel by an author surely deserving of the Nobel recognition. I would be more than happy to discuss such topics with any willing person, as I find the various forms of religion fascinating, but this review was intended to be written purely objectively. Sorry for the disclaimer, but this is a touchy subject for many.

"Perfekt till påsken" is a wonderful phrase that immediately brings to mind the beauty and significance of Easter.

Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and hope. It is a time when the world seems to come alive with the colors of spring and the promise of new beginnings.

When we think of something being "perfekt till påsken," we imagine it being the perfect addition to our Easter festivities. It could be a beautiful Easter dress, a delicious Easter treat, or a lovely decoration for our home.

Whether it's a gift for a loved one or something to enhance our own celebration, finding that "perfekt till påsken" item can make the holiday even more special. It allows us to express our joy and appreciation for this wonderful time of year.

So, as we approach Easter, let's keep our eyes open for those perfect things that will make our celebration truly memorable. Let's embrace the spirit of the holiday and create lasting memories with our family and friends.

Perfekt till påsken – may this phrase bring us all the joy and happiness that Easter has to offer.

Barabbas, the believer and the unbeliever, the one who loves God and yet there is no other god, the dead and the living by the spirit of the crucified. He desired faith but could not achieve it. Barabbas, who didn't care much about his body because he didn't know how his end would be. A stranger in his youth, in his old age, and in his death, always a stranger. It's a wonderful story, a bit slow at the beginning, but its ending is worthy of five stars. And surely it deserves the Nobel Prize.

This story of Barabbas is a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and the human condition. It delves into the inner turmoil of a man who is caught between two worlds, the world of belief and the world of unbelief. The description of Barabbas as a stranger throughout his life adds a layer of mystery and pathos to his character. We can't help but feel sorry for him as he struggles to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems so foreign to him.

The slow start of the story may test the patience of some readers, but it is well worth the wait. As the story unfolds, we are drawn deeper into Barabbas' world and begin to understand his complex emotions and motivations. The ending is truly remarkable, leaving us with a sense of awe and wonder. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Barabbas was a well-known prisoner at that time. Pilate asked the crowd, "Whom do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?" The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus crucified. Pilate knew they handed Jesus over because of envy. While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." Pilate said to them, "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" Pilate said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he delivered Jesus to be crucified.

Barabbas was a criminal, and yet he was set free while Jesus, the innocent and pure one, was crucified in his place. Barabbas was astonished at what had happened. He witnessed the crucifixion scene, the darkness at noon, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the resurrection of the dead. He was left in a state of shock and confusion, unable to fully understand the magnitude of what had occurred. He would later ask the disciples of Christ about Jesus. When he met Peter, Peter told him that the one who was crucified instead of him was the Son of God. Barabbas was amazed that the Son of God would be crucified and die. He wondered why Jesus didn't save himself. Barabbas went on a search and met several people. Eventually, he met Saul, and he shared with him what he had seen at the crucifixion scene. Saul was a believer, and through Barabbas' words, his faith in the crucified one grew stronger. His faith also grew in the return of the Messiah to save all the souls of the righteous and those who loved him and became the children of God. But did Barabbas believe in the Savior? And what was his end? All of this is found at the end of this story.

At this stage of his career, Lagerkvist wields unrestricted control over his language.

The narrative flows like a beautiful poem, gliding along with remarkable ease. There is no undue pressure exerted on the readers as they engage with the text, and no unnecessary effort is squandered.

The author makes no attempt to be overly clever or force a particular meaning upon the audience. Instead, all that there is to know and perceive lies naked before you, with nothing concealed.

The meaning, when it comes, arrives in steady waves, smoothly and naturally, almost without being noticed. 'Barabbas' is a work that demands to be re-read, yet this should prove to be a pleasurable and effortless experience.

It is a testament to Lagerkvist's mastery of the written word that his prose can have such a profound impact while remaining so accessible and engaging.

Readers will find themselves drawn into the world he creates, captivated by the beauty and simplicity of his language, and eager to explore the depths of meaning that lie beneath the surface.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply someone looking for a good read, 'Barabbas' is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

[LT] The book, which was released 5 years after World War II, not only accurately captures the then-human's confusion and meaninglessness in the world, but such tendencies can also be seen nowadays. Lagerkvist, although not considering himself a believer and having grown up in a religious family, was always interested in religious, mythological, and biblical motifs and constantly tried to apply them in his poetry and prose. His main motif is a person living in a world where God is not omnipotent or does not exist at all. In this book, he takes Barabbas - a character from the New Testament, a criminal who was acquitted by the people, and instead of him, Jesus was crucified. Seeing Jesus' crucifixion, Barabas becomes interested in Christ's teachings, meets with his disciples and confessors, and becomes interested in the ideas being spread.

The book, written in an easy and clear style, engages the reader to reflect on various questions about religion, faith, God, and morality. Perhaps Barabbas can be considered a modern person - at least as he is portrayed in this book. On the one hand, he is confused and has no strong moral and ethical principles, but on the other hand, he is interested in and wants to believe in things that are sometimes difficult to believe.

[SE]: The book that was released 5 years after the Second World War very well captures both the confusion and hopelessness of humans in the world at that time and also nowadays. Lagerkvist was very interested in mythological, biblical, and religious motifs despite not being religious himself. One can say this in his poetry and prose. The main motif in his books is a person living in a world without God's governance and presence. In this book, Lagerkvist takes Barabbas - a figure from the New Testament, a prisoner who was released by the people and Jesus was crucified instead of him. After Barabbas saw the crucifixion, he became interested in Jesus' preaching, meets his disciples and confessors, and also took an interest in his ideas.

A book written in an easy and clear style engages the reader to reflect on different questions about religion, faith, God, and morality. One can probably consider Barabbas as a modern person - at least as he is described in this book. On the one hand, he is confused and has no strong moral and value bases, but on the other hand, he wants to believe in things that are difficult to trust.

A Fascinating Novel...

These people were closely bound by their common belief. They were very cautious not to let any non-believer join them easily. They were brothers in faith and had their own feasts. During those feasts, they broke bread together just like in a big united family. Their teaching, that "you should love one another", held them together. However, it was more difficult to know if they could love someone who was not like them.

This story seems to explore the depth and limitations of their faith and love. It makes the reader wonder about the boundaries we set in our relationships based on our beliefs and how hard it can be to truly love those who are different from us.

Perhaps this novel will take us on a journey to understand the complex nature of human connection and the challenges that come with it.

A short tale that centers around Barabbas, the thief who was pardoned, enabling Jesus to be crucified, is truly captivating.

It delves into his life subsequent to the pardon, as he witnesses, up close and personal, the evolution of the cult of Jesus. Starting as an obscure Jewish sect, it gradually develops into a faith that will pose a threat and ultimately subvert the mighty Roman empire.

Barabbas, not a believer himself, is repeatedly drawn to the persecuted group. He is fascinated by the question of why a man's life and death could inspire such intense devotion and sacrifice. In the end, he is caught up in a wave of persecution and meets his demise along with a group of Christians.

Throughout the story, Barabbas is depicted as an outsider, burdened by what he is, what he has done, and what he has witnessed. After seeing a seemingly ordinary person endure the agony of crucifixion, how can he possibly believe that Jesus is the son of God? Nevertheless, he discovers that the passionate belief of others holds great power.

This is a simple tale that is told extremely well. I found it to be an excellent book, well worth exploring further.

Barabbas is an austere read.

Aside from Barabbas, only Jesus and a slave who is crucified bear names. The theme revolves around Barabbas' inability to believe, serving as a parable for all those who experience the same difficulty in the present day.

Even at the end, when Barabbas is crucified himself, it remains unclear whether his last words signify that he belongs to Jesus or merely to death.

The book is well-written and a testament to the author's intention of reducing his writing to the essential.

I read it solely because the author won the Nobel prize in 1951, rather than due to the topic itself.

It makes one reflect on the profound questions of belief and belonging, and how they continue to resonate through the ages.

Despite its brevity, it manages to leave a lasting impression on the reader, challenging them to grapple with their own beliefs and uncertainties.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking work that offers valuable insights into the human condition.

A heroic tale..bearing all the contradictions in this universe.. Between the Christ, the purest of humanity, the messenger of peace, the owner of the white hand.. And the condemned criminal who has not left a single mistake on this earth that he has not committed.. We get lost in the details of history and the fate that Barla created in formulating it for you to feel as if you are inside that period of time..

You, the condemned criminal, the drunkard, the lost son of the sheikh, who killed his father, came out naked and entered history not for your crime!! But for the meanness of your life by those who made history.. How can you absorb all this event and live it while you see in front of you a person carrying his cross with two bleeding feet and a humiliated body full of wounds and pains going to death opening his arms to him!

This divine event that you have not been able to understand since the beginning of your creation must turn your life upside down and leave you amazed with questions that you have not found answers to.

Barabba, having been saved from the cross in place of Christ, witnesses His death on Golgotha and is deeply affected. He is a man without God, longing desperately to believe. He feels the weight of solitude but is unable to cultivate human relationships. Only a few sudden and blinding flashes of light penetrate his life as an outcast, conceived and born in hatred towards the world and those who created it. From the hell of the mines to a rediscovered ray of sunlight in Rome, then the false glimmer of the fire that will ultimately seal his fate, and finally death, both desired and feared. In that extreme moment,

“he said in the darkness, as if speaking with it: I commend my spirit to you.
And he breathed his last.”

Barabba's journey is one of turmoil and inner struggle. He experiences the contrast between the hope that Christ's sacrifice might bring and his own sense of worthlessness. The events in his life lead him to a point of reckoning, where he must face his own demons and decide whether to embrace the possibility of redemption or be consumed by his past. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose in a world filled with pain and suffering.