Sally Carson, a young woman from Dorset born in 1901, penned a novel that remarkably foresaw the rise of the Nazi regime in Europe. Titled "Crooked Cross," this literary work, originally published in 1934, is experiencing a revival as an electrifying masterpiece. Carson masterfully critiqued the burgeoning threat of Nazism without resorting to preachiness or bias. The novel received wide acclaim upon its initial release, with notable praise from esteemed publications such as the Observer and The Times.
Carson's "Crooked Cross" captured public and critical attention for its gripping narrative and insightful portrayal of the Nazi threat. Gerald Gould, a contemporary author, lauded the novel in the Observer as "a very good novel" that skillfully avoided any "propagandist tendency" by allowing "the story stand on its merits." Rachel Joyce, another contemporary author, hailed it as an "electrifying masterpiece" after reading the manuscript.
"She has a point of view, but she is an artist, not a tub-thumper, with the consequence that all her people live and her truth is spoken in their nature and their suffering." – The Times
The novel's plot centers around "the tragedy of a Bavarian girl's love for a Jewish doctor in the early days of the Nazi revolution," as described by the New York Times. Carson began writing "Crooked Cross" during a holiday in Bavaria with friends, eventually completing it in England. Her work was bold for its time, offering a cautionary tale about Nazism while carefully avoiding alarmism.
Upon its release, "Crooked Cross" sparked controversy. The narrative’s potent themes led to its adaptation into a stage play performed in Birmingham and London. However, the Lord Chamberlain's office censored the adaptation by requiring all references to "Heil Hitler" to be removed. The play also faced protests from rightwing factions in Britain, who perceived it as anti-German propaganda.
Despite these challenges, Carson's novel resonated with audiences and critics alike. It was praised for its ability to portray the harsh realities of its era without veering into overt propaganda. Carson's artistry allowed her characters to vividly embody her truth through their experiences and suffering.
Carson's foresight and literary talent extended beyond "Crooked Cross." She authored two sequels, "The Prisoner" and "A Traveller Came By," further exploring themes of conflict and human resilience. Unfortunately, Carson's promising career was cut short when she succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 39 in June 1941. Her death occurred amid the very violence she had so presciently depicted.
In a significant literary revival, Persephone Books will republish "Crooked Cross" this spring. This reissue coincides with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, providing modern readers an opportunity to rediscover Carson’s work and her hauntingly accurate vision of history.