Major Georges Picquart has only a peripheral role in the arrest, trial, and ritual degradation of Alfred Dreyfus, a captain in the French army exposed as a German spy. Dreyfus’s protestations of innocence are useless, not helped by the fact he is Jewish, and antisemitism is rife. His punishment is incarceration for life on Devil’s Island where he is the sole prisoner.
Six months later, Picquart is promoted to colonel and put in command of the ‘Statistical Section’ - a euphonism for the military intelligence service – the people who put Dreyfus away. Picquart is not welcomed by open arms, and when a new case of spying throws up evidence that casts doubt on the Dreyfus conviction, his attempt to re-investigate is undermined by his staff and shut down by the powers that be.
Over time, the evidence mounts, and Picquart is convinced not only have they court-martialled the wrong man, but also the real spy is still out there operating within the army. What is more, he thinks the section know that but are engaged in a cover-up to protect careers and reputations. But public unease is swelling too, with the likes of Emile Zola trumpeting the miscarriage of justice.
He has a choice to make. To serve justice and free an innocent man, he would have to defy orders, end his own career, and plunge the army into a leaderless crisis when war may be threatening.
Robert Harris tells this true story with precision and utmost clarity, instilling drama into what could have been a dry tale of sifting evidence and courtroom tactics. There is even a duel to be fought.
An interesting, informative,
and satisfyingly enjoyable read.
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