Title: Terror: Ein Theaterstück und eine Rede
Author: Ferdinand von Schirach
First published December 7, 2015
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
Ferdinand von Schirach’s “Terror” is a gripping play that explores the aftermath of a terrorist hijacking. When a passenger plane is taken over and directed towards a packed football stadium, a fighter pilot makes the fateful decision to shoot down the aircraft, killing all on board.
He is then put on trial, with the audience as the judges, to determine his guilt or innocence. This play asks tough questions about the balance between freedom and security, and the value of human dignity in the face of terrorism.
In addition to the play, this book also includes Schirach’s powerful speech in response to the Charlie Hebdo attack, a moving defense of free speech and civilization in the face of its enemies.
About the Author
Ferdinand von Schirach, a successful German author and lawyer, started his writing career at the age of 45 with the release of his first short stories. Since then, he has become one of Germany’s most accomplished writers with millions of copies of his books sold internationally.
His work has been translated into over 35 languages, making him an acclaimed figure in German literature globally.
Editoral Review
Ferdinand von Schirach’s Terror: Ein Theaterstück und eine Rede brings to life one of the most harrowing legal trials of our time in a thrilling and thought-provoking way. Schirach’s background as a lawyer and human rights activist is evident throughout the work, and his astute observations on justice and morality make this an important piece of literature that should not be missed.
The author’s exploration of terrorism and its impact on society is both timely and timeless. He delves into the complexities of terrorism and the often-polarizing attitudes towards the accused and the victims.
Schirach’s play centers on a German air force pilot who decides to shoot down a hijacked airplane to save the lives of thousands of passengers, killing everyone on board. He is put on trial, and the play follows the legal proceedings as well as the moral conundrum faced by the protagonist.
Schirach’s writing is crisp and concise, and the stage directions give the reader an immersive sense of being present in the courtroom. The characters are particularly well-drawn, and readers will find themselves rooting for both sides, despite the weighty moral implications of the case.
The play also features a powerful speech given by the pilot that examines some of the most pressing issues around terrorism and warfare. One of the greatest strengths of Terror is that it manages to be both complex and accessible.
Schirach never shies away from the difficult questions that the trial poses, but he presents them in a way that is understandable and engaging. He doesn’t offer any easy answers, but rather encourages readers to think deeply about the issues at hand.
One potential weakness of the book is that it is a play, and readers who are not familiar with the format may struggle to engage with the story. However, Schirach’s skillful writing and compelling subject matter should win over even the most resistant readers.
Overall, Terror is an immensely compelling work that explores some of the most pressing social and moral issues of our time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of justice and the impact of terrorism on society.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
