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4 hours ago
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‘The Book of Guilt': What if Hitler were assassinated and World War II ended in compromise?
Catherine Chidgey's ninth novel, The Book of Guilt, has been hotly anticipated. Following the critical and commercial success of her last two novels, it was the subject of a bidding war between UK publishers. The Book of Guilt is also now the first of her books to be released in Australia at launch: a depressingly rare feat for a New Zealand author. Chidgey's career has been defined by a willingness to experiment and innovate with new genres, subjects and forms. Shifting from the New Zealand focus of her recent novels, The Book of Guilt is set in a version of 1979 Britain. It operates as a disturbing thriller that unfolds from three different perspectives. While its setting is something of a departure for Chidgey, the novel continues her interest in the legacy of Nazi Germany, which some of her previous works have examined. It also explores the questions of guilt, awareness and moral responsibility which have preoccupied Chidgey in her earlier novels, particularly with regard to characters who are trapped within, or even victimised by, exploitative systems. A government program for orphans Vincent and his triplet brothers William and Lawrence, at 13, are the last children living in Captain Scott House, an isolated countryside home in the Sycamore Scheme (a government program for the care of orphans). Their days are strictly regimented by their three guardians – Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night – who record both their dreams and transgressions, and administer medication to help them overcome a mysterious 'Bug'. The promise is that once they are deemed well enough, they will be relocated to the seaside resort town of Margate, where all the children before them have gone, to enjoy its rides and attractions. Until then, their contact with the outside world is limited. Elsewhere, 13-year-old Nancy is living in similarly constrained and isolated circumstances. She has been raised by doting parents within the walls of their suburban home, never permitted to step outside. As she starts to chafe at her confinement, she grows increasingly suspicious of her mother and father, and their strange obsession with the Sycamore children. Finally, the newly appointed Minister of Loneliness has been charged with dismantling the Sycamore Scheme. Its dwindling (unstated) benefits are no longer sufficient to justify the expense of running the houses, and she is left to determine what to do with the remaining children. She is desperately seeking a positive outcome – something that will mitigate the scandals from the program's past – while also strangely fearful at the prospect of having to visit Vincent and his brothers at Captain Scott House. An eerie alternative history In many ways, the world and period that Chidgey establishes seem familiar. A prime minister resembling Margaret Thatcher has just won the general election. The IRA is still active. Jim'll Fix It, a show with the premise of children writing to Jimmy Saville asking him to make a dream come true, is on TV. But there are also differences. In this world, the moon landing occurred in 1957, not 1969. The polio vaccine and mass-produced penicillin have been available for far longer than they have in our history. And, crucially, the Sycamore Scheme was established in 1944, following the successful assassination of Adolf Hitler. The Book of Guilt, then, can be understood as an alternative history novel. This genre typically explores the timelines and scenarios that might result from a historical event having a different outcome. Within this tradition, World War Two is a frequent subject of speculation. Chidgey's alternative history hinges on a more subtle difference. What if Major Axel von dem Bussche 's 1943 attempted suicide bombing of Hitler had succeeded? As a result, the Nazi leadership are unseated and an interim government negotiates a surrender to the Allied powers. Rather than Germany's total defeat and capitulation, the European war ends in compromise and 'difficult decisions'. We are not told exactly what Nazi crimes went unpunished because of this determination to secure 'peace at any price'. But one of the terms of the 'Gothenburg Treaty' that ended the war was that the results of the inhumane, often deadly medical research performed in the concentration camps by SS physician Josef Mengele and others should be shared with the Allies. It is clear from early in the novel that the Sycamore Scheme operates as a sinister continuation of these practices, though its exact nature – and the origins of Vincent and his brothers – are a slowly unravelling mystery. Literary thrillers and Nazi legacy As New Zealand literary critic Philip Matthews observes, the The Book of Guilt can be read as a meeting point between two strands in Chidgey's writing. It follows The Axeman's Carnival (2022) and Pet (2023) as the third in a string of tightly plotted literary thrillers.e It is also her third novel to consider the legacy of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Like The Wish Child (2016) and Remote Sympathy (2020), The Book of Guilt is preoccupied with the subject of complicity: how characters live within, accept and deflect their full awareness of systems that exploit, violently dehumanise and murder others. What subtle, internal trades and compromises are they prepared to make for their own comforts and security? Or even just to preserve their own self-image? These are always pertinent themes, and Chidgey's alternative history provides her with a new lens for exploring them. Her vision of slightly altered late-70s Britain, one that has become rapidly tawdry, bleak and cruel for the sake of a few limited advancements, is powerful. The novel also offers an intriguing commentary on 1979 itself as a tipping point in British history. The cold pragmatism of the new conservative government justified sacrificing the welfare of a considerable portion of the population for greater prosperity. Chidgey's scenario recalls Thatcher's positioning of herself as the ruthless, unflinching doctor capable of curing the ' British Disease '. In this regard, The Book of Guilt joins a small tradition of literary alternative histories, which use a skewed perspective on the period they examine to reflect contemporary anxieties and preoccupations. It brings to mind Philip Roth's The Plot Against America, which explores how a populist leader – elected at exactly the wrong time – can light a powder keg of racist resentment. And also Ian McEwan's Machines Like Me, where the continued work of mathematician and code-breaker Alan Turing on artificial intelligence gives rise to an alternative 1980s Britain. There, new forms of robotic consciousness are the subject of both fascination and uneasy suspicion. But, of course, the novel The Book of Guilt most closely recalls is Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me G o, which also features a remote country home for mysteriously parentless children, in an alternative Britain where medical history has taken a different, sinister path. Reading The Book of Guilt with an awareness of Never Let Me Go makes it almost impossible to not anticipate key revelations quite early on. However, Chidgey's approach to this scenario serves as an interesting counterpoint to Ishiguro's in some ways. In Never Let Me Go, the adolescent protagonists are prompted by their guardians to attempt to demonstrate their humanity to a largely indifferent world. It ends with their melancholic, fatalistic acceptance of their lot. The Book of Guilt, by contrast, follows Vincent's attempts to comprehend his place in a setting gradually revealed to be inexplicably hostile. As his suspicions of his 'mothers' mount, he slowly realises he and his brothers are being constantly tested for signs of 'brutish' behaviour, ethical lapses and hidden, subliminal urges. The reasons for this scrutiny speak to broader themes around nature and nurture explored in the novel, and the temptation and dangers of arbitrary, 'scientific' classifications and definitions of human life and value. The Book of Guilt is not derivative of Never Let Me Go, but a rewarding variation on a similar theme. Adolescence as liminal space The Book of Guilt is also the third of Chidgey's novels to focus on characters entering early adolescence, and interrogate their developing knowledge and moral responsibility – even within systems and circumstances arguably beyond their control. The Wish Child examines the perspective of children who come of age while indoctrinated in the poisonous ideologies of Nazi Germany. Pet follows the narrative of 12-year-old Justine, who falls under the thrall of a charismatic yet strangely malicious teacher, Ms Price, who both woos and exploits her. Like Chidgey's other adolescent protagonists, Vincent is not positioned as a perfect victim. While thoughtful and sympathetic, he is also complicit in various acts of cruelty. He ultimately makes a fraught, highly compromised 'ethical' choice at the novel's denouement, which will haunt him, and likely the reader as well. In The Book of Guilt, Chidgey continues to explore early adolescence as a liminal stage of life, where levels of awareness and accountability are often frustratingly (and fascinatingly) unclear. Though Chidgey's handling of her younger characters remains astute, I was most taken with the Minister of Loneliness in this novel (though it did take me a moment to remember this is now an actual position in the UK government). Her narrative delivers some much-needed humour at various points, particularly in her interactions with the implacable, Thatcher-like prime minister. Tangled and morally complex While The Minister of Loneliness occupies a more remote and peripheral role in the novel than Vincent and Nancy, her weary adult perspective provides a necessary point of contrast. Her initial attempts to deny the horrors that have landed at her door are immediately, damningly, relatable. As the novel develops, her reluctance and inertia give way to rushed, desperate decisions and ruinous consequences. She feels very familiar. Very human. But what at first seems like a simple satire of an ineffectual bureaucrat proves surprising. The Minister is not ultimately overwhelmed by either the history she is forced to confront, nor by her own failings. She recognises, in the end, the weight of her responsibilities, even when she is given leeway to ignore or deflect them. In The Minister of Loneliness, Chidgey delivers an acutely realised portrait of a faintly good person who resolves, miraculously, to do a little better. Hers is arguably not the most heroic trajectory in this dark, tangled and compelling novel – but it feels like the closest it comes to a moment of moral triumph. Julian Novitz, Senior Lecturer, Writing, Department of Media and Communication, Swinburne University of Technology.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Docs remove large kidney stones from patient using minimally invasive procedure
1 2 Madurai: Doctors at Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC), Madurai, successfully removed two large kidney stones from a 62-year-old woman undergoing dual antiplatelet therapy, using a minimally invasive technique known as Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIRS). Addressing the media on Friday, Dr D Paul Vincent, senior consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, said the patient had recently undergone cardiac stenting and was on blood thinners. She had a 3.5 x 2.5 cm stone in her right kidney and a 2 x 1.5 cm stone in the left. Both were completely cleared through RIRS, and the patient is recovering well. RIRS involves inserting a flexible ureteroscope—a thin tube with a camera and light—through the urinary tract into the kidney. A laser is then used to break the stones into tiny fragments, which are either extracted or passed naturally through urine. Though typically used for stones up to 2 cm in size, Dr Vincent said the procedure can be adapted for larger stones in stages with adequate expertise. "It is especially challenging in patients on blood thinners or those with heart conditions, liver failure, or bleeding disorders," he noted. RIRS avoids surgical incisions, resulting in minimal bleeding, fewer complications, and faster recovery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Most patients are discharged the next day and can return to routine activities soon after. As a preventive measure, Dr Vincent advised drinking at least three litres of fluids daily to maintain a urine output of two litres, and reducing intake of non-vegetarian food to prevent stone formation. Senior consultants Dr R Ravichandran, head of the urology department, and Dr K Venugopal Konanki were also present at the press briefing.
Ottawa Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Rocket fall to 0-2 after another lopsided loss to Checkers
Article content It wasn't by accident that the Laval Rocket finished first overall in the American Hockey League this season. This is a relatively young team that faced numerous obstacles over a 72-game schedule. Article content Article content But the hole the Rocket has now dug itself might be too difficult to climb out of. Article content For the second consecutive night and game Laval was overmatched, outclassed and dominated by Charlotte. The Checkers breezed to a 5-2 victory Thursday at Place Bell before 9,943 spectators, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final. Article content Article content The sky indeed appears to be falling on Chicken Little, although Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent has no alternative but to remain optimistic. Article content Article content 'We're going to face it just the way we did the whole year — a day at a time,' Vincent said. 'We can't go in the playoffs thinking we have to win four games. We've got to win one. We've got win a period, then the next one and then the next one. That's how we're going to face it. That's what we've done the whole year. Article content 'This is a great opportunity for us, to show what we're made of, to see how we're going to react, how we're going to play in their building. Going there 0-2, it's not great. It's not what we wanted, but there's an opportunity there and we'll see how we're going to manage that.' Article content The series now shifts to Charlotte for the next three games — provided the Rocket can make it that far — starting Sunday afternoon (4 p.m., RDS2, BPM Sports 91.9). The odds certainly don't appear in Laval's favour, the team faced with winning four of the next five and at least two at Bojangles Coliseum if it hopes to play another home game this season. Article content Article content Through two games, Laval has been outscored 10-3. Its power play has gone 1-for-12 while allowing two short-handed goals. Goaltender Cayden Primeau has struggled in both games and was replaced by Jacob Fowler 15 minutes into the second period after allowing four goals on 18 shots. That included two in a span of 44 seconds. Article content The Rocket's defence, missing the injured Tyler Wotherspoon and William Trudeau, is in disarray. Article content Logan Mailloux, a former first-round draft choice, attempted to beat two Charlotte players in the second period while Laval was on the power play. That resulted in a John Leonard breakaway and his second short-handed goal of the series. Article content Mailloux, a minus-2 on this night, appeared to be benched in the third period, although Vincent claimed he was injured. Mailloux jumped on the ice with 4:13 remaining, during a television timeout, and was subsequently sent to the dressing room. Vincent said Mailloux was ejected by the officials, having been assessed a misconduct, although no such record appeared on the scoresheet.
Montreal Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Rocket fall to 0-2 after another lopsided loss to Checkers
Laval Rocket By It wasn't by accident that the Laval Rocket finished first overall in the American Hockey League this season. This is a relatively young team that faced numerous obstacles over a 72-game schedule. But the hole the Rocket has now dug itself might be too difficult to climb out of. For the second consecutive night and game Laval was overmatched, outclassed and dominated by Charlotte. The Checkers breezed to a 5-2 victory Thursday at Place Bell before 9,943 spectators, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final. The sky indeed appears to be falling on Chicken Little, although Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent has no alternative but to remain optimistic. 'We're going to face it just the way we did the whole year — a day at a time,' Vincent said. 'We can't go in the playoffs thinking we have to win four games. We've got to win one. We've got win a period, then the next one and then the next one. That's how we're going to face it. That's what we've done the whole year. 'This is a great opportunity for us, to show what we're made of, to see how we're going to react, how we're going to play in their building. Going there 0-2, it's not great. It's not what we wanted, but there's an opportunity there and we'll see how we're going to manage that.' The series now shifts to Charlotte for the next three games — provided the Rocket can make it that far — starting Sunday afternoon (4 p.m., RDS2, BPM Sports 91.9). The odds certainly don't appear in Laval's favour, the team faced with winning four of the next five and at least two at Bojangles Coliseum if it hopes to play another home game this season. Through two games, Laval has been outscored 10-3. Its power play has gone 1-for-12 while allowing two short-handed goals. Goaltender Cayden Primeau has struggled in both games and was replaced by Jacob Fowler 15 minutes into the second period after allowing four goals on 18 shots. That included two in a span of 44 seconds. The Rocket's defence, missing the injured Tyler Wotherspoon and William Trudeau, is in disarray. Logan Mailloux, a former first-round draft choice, attempted to beat two Charlotte players in the second period while Laval was on the power play. That resulted in a John Leonard breakaway and his second short-handed goal of the series. Mailloux, a minus-2 on this night, appeared to be benched in the third period, although Vincent claimed he was injured. Mailloux jumped on the ice with 4:13 remaining, during a television timeout, and was subsequently sent to the dressing room. Vincent said Mailloux was ejected by the officials, having been assessed a misconduct, although no such record appeared on the scoresheet. During the pregame warm-up, players from both teams mingled at centre ice, with Mailloux and MacKenzie Entwistle, 6-foot-3 and 193 pounds, the apparent ringleaders. Laval, the league's most-penalized team this season, took 68 of the 116 penalty minutes assessed. Eight misconducts were meted out — five to the Rocket, including two alone to Florian Xhekaj. Referees Morgan MacPhee and Graedy Hamilton arguably lost control of the game — something that has occurred more than once when MacPhee's involved. Numerous apparent calls went unpenalized, including Marek Alscher's vicious check on Laurent Dauphin in front of the bench. Vincent and his players, predictably, were loath to comment on the officiating. 'It's pretty frustrating what we're doing to ourselves,' captain Lucas Condotta said. 'We're not playing our best and have to regroup here and get back on track. We just didn't have it tonight. They're a good team but we're just not playing our game. The games have been emotional. We have to do a better job of keeping our emotions in check. 'It hasn't been our best. We've given them our worst two games probably of the playoffs. It's a seven-game series. It's not a best-of-five. We've got some time to regroup here. We've got to be ready to go.' Defenceman Trevor Carrick paced Charlotte with a goal and two assists. Michael Benning, Will Lockwood and Riley Bezeau also scored. The Checkers are now on a six-game winning streak. Both of Laval's goals came from defencemen — David Reinbacher and Noel Hoefenmayer. Reinbacher, another former Canadiens first-round draft choice, committed a turnover on Charlotte's fifth goal. Oliver Kapanen is the only Rocket forward with a goal in the series. 'It's on us,' Hoefenmayer said. 'At the end of the day we control our destiny when it comes to that. We have to be more disciplined and stay out of the box. In the playoffs ... it's one game at a time. They came into our building and got two games but now we have the chance to go into theirs and do the same. 'We all believe. We know how good of a team we are.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadiens Farm Team Drops Game One
The AHL Eastern Conference Final got underway Wednesday night at Place Bell, and the Charlotte Checkers dominated the Laval Rocket, at least on the scoreboard, winning 5-1. The Montreal Canadiens' farm team had not played the Florida Panthers' farm team since 2018, and they'll need to adapt in a hurry if they don't want to see the series slip between their fingers. Following the Rocket's morning skate, it looked like Jacob Fowler would be getting the start since he was the first goaltender off the ice, but when the puck dropped on game one, Cayden Primeau was between the posts. Unfortunately for the veteran, he wasn't in the same superb form he had in the divisional final, and he surrendered four goals in just 19 shots for a mediocre .789 save percentage. Charlotte scored twice on its first three shots. Advertisement Former Canadiens Player Chooses Switzerland Could The Canadiens' Second-Line Centre Be In New York? Canadiens: The Grades Are In – Joel Armia Meanwhile, the Rocket took 31 shots on Checkers netminder Kaapo Kahkonen, but Oliver Kapanen was the only one who got a puck past him. It wasn't for lack of trying. Pascal Vincent's men got their opportunities, especially since the Checkers were far from being disciplined, getting seven penalties before things got ugly. Both teams were assessed tons of penalties with just over two minutes left in the game. It was a tough night at the office for veterans Alex Barre-Boulet and Laurent Dauphin, the pair who lead the Rocket in points with 10 and nine points, respectively. They finished the night with a minus-four rating and struggled to find lanes to the opponent's net. The Rocket will need to turn over a new leaf in a hurry since game two is set for Thursday night. Vincent's team would do well to be ready from puck drop since the Checkers scored early in each period on Wednesday. They scored within two minutes of the start of the first and second frames and 31 seconds into the final frame. Advertisement Jacob Fowler should be back in the net tonight, as it's the second part of the back-to-back. Additionally, Vincent hasn't said he'd move away from the alternation system he put into place since Primeau returned from the NHL once the Canadiens were eliminated. Game two will be a must-win affair for Laval, as games three through five will be played in Charlotte. Losing both home games to start the series would put the Rocket in a tricky situation, to say the least. Game two is set for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on RDS. Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
