Title: Copenhagen
Author: Michael Frayn
First published January 1, 1998
132 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780385720793 (ISBN10: 0385720793)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
of science and drama, but Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen is a masterful example of how the two can intertwine. In this Tony Award-winning play, Frayn explores the mysterious meeting between two of the most prominent physicists of the 20th century – Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg – during the height of World War II.
Through a series of after-death analyses, including that of Bohr’s wife, Margrethe, Frayn delves into the complex personalities and motivations of these brilliant men, revealing their philosophical struggles and all-too-human flaws. Using scientific concepts such as the uncertainty principle and Schrödinger’s cat, Frayn cleverly weaves a narrative that questions the very nature of truth and perception.
This gripping drama is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and human nature.
About the Author
Meet Michael Frayn, an accomplished English playwright and novelist. You might recognize him as the genius behind the uproarious farce Noises Off, or the thought-provoking dramas Copenhagen and Democracy.
But did you know that Frayn is also a talented author of novels, including the critically acclaimed Towards the End of the Morning, Headlong, and Spies? Few writers in the English language have achieved success in both drama and prose fiction, but Frayn is among them.
What sets Frayn’s works apart is their ability to blend philosophical questions with humor, creating a unique and engaging reading or viewing experience. And, as if that weren’t enough, Frayn is also married to the esteemed biographer and literary journalist Claire Tomalin.
With all these achievements under his belt, it’s safe to say that Frayn is a true master of his craft.
Editoral Review
Copenhagen by Michael Frayn is a thrilling tale of espionage, science and friendship that takes place during World War II. Frayn is a British novelist, playwright, and translator, best known for his plays Noises Off and Democracy.
Copenhagen is written in the form of a three-person dialogue between scientists Werner Heisenberg, Niels Bohr, and Bohr’s wife Margrethe. The novel was first published on January 1, 1998, and has garnered critical acclaim for its intricate plot, character development, and exploration of the nature of human relationships.
Copenhagen is a blend of historical fiction, biography, and drama. The novel is set in September of 1941 in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the height of World War II.
Werner Heisenberg, a German nuclear physicist, travels to Copenhagen to meet with his mentor and friend, Niels Bohr, a Danish physicist who has worked on atomic research. The meeting is arranged by Heisenberg’s wife, Elizabeth.
The three spend a night discussing science, politics, and the nature of human existence. Frayn uses the conversation between the three to explore themes related to the nature of science, the uncertainty of human action, and the relationship between science and politics.
Heisenberg, who works for the Nazi regime, is on a mission to convince Bohr to work with the German scientists. Bohr is torn between his loyalty to his country and his desire to keep scientific discovery in the hands of peaceful nations.
Meanwhile, Margrethe, Bohr’s wife, provides a commentary on the discussion, questioning the motives and actions of both Heisenberg and Bohr. Frayn’s writing is eloquent and beautifully crafted.
The novel is a masterclass in dialogue, with Frayn’s characters expressing their deepest thoughts and insecurities through their speeches. The tension between Heisenberg and Bohr is palpable throughout the novel, creating a feeling of unease that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Copenhagen has historical significance as it explores a pivotal moment in history when the development of nuclear technology could have turned the tide of World War II in favor of the Axis powers. Frayn’s novel also raises important questions about the role of science in society and the ethical dilemmas that scientists face in times of war.
One criticism of the novel is the lack of action. Most of the novel is just a conversation between the three characters, and the story moves along at a relatively slow pace.
However, this is also one of the novel’s strengths as it allows the reader to delve deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of the story. Overall, Copenhagen is a brilliant novel that combines history, science, and drama to create a thought-provoking and deeply moving narrative.
Frayn’s writing is exquisite, and the characters are richly drawn with complex personalities and motivations. Anyone interested in science, history, or philosophy would benefit from reading this novel.
I would award it 4.5 out of 5 stars as the only limitation is a relatively slow pace at times.
