The Collaborator

Alice Kaplan's The Collaborator examines the life and execution of Robert Brasillach, raising important questions about justice and morality in post-war France.

In The Collaborator, Alice Kaplan delves into the complex life and controversial execution of Robert Brasillach, a prominent French writer and editor. Executed in 1945 for treason during the Nazi occupation, Brasillach's case raises challenging questions about justice, morality, and the nature of collaboration. As the only distinguished writer put to death by the French Liberation government, his trial became a focal point for post-war reckoning, reflecting the intense societal conflicts of the time.

Kaplan meticulously reconstructs the events leading to Brasillach's execution, exploring his rise as a literary figure in the 1930s and his subsequent collaboration with the Nazis. The book highlights the courtroom drama of his trial, where a fervent prosecutor faced off against a passionate defense attorney, each seeking to define justice for both the individual and the nation. The narrative also examines Brasillach's dual identity as a celebrated writer and a controversial figure, questioning whether his sexual orientation played a role in his condemnation.

Through the lens of four jurors from working-class Paris, Kaplan presents a nuanced examination of the ethics surrounding Brasillach's trial. She also uncovers previously unpublished writings and insights from Charles de Gaulle’s decision-making process regarding Brasillach's potential pardon. Ultimately, The Collaborator serves as a thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in France's history, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of guilt, punishment, and memory.