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Darkness at Noon

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About this listen

A fictional portrayal of an aging revolutionary, this novel is a powerful commentary on the nightmare politics of the troubled 20th century. Born in Hungary in 1905, a defector from the Communist Party in 1938, and then arrested in both Spain and France for his political views, Arthur Koestler writes from a wealth of personal experience.

Imprisoned by the political party to which he has dedicated his life, Nicolas Rubashov paces his prison cell, examining his life and remembering his tempestuos career. As the old intelligentsia is eradicated to make way for the new, he is psychologically tortured and forced to confess to preposterous crimes. Comparing himself to Moses, led to the Promised Land but refused entry, he sees only darkness at the end of his life, where once he saw such promise for humanity.

Frank Muller's narrative expertise is perfect for this haunting work. Rubashov's personal agony becomes Muller's as he presents Koestler's relevant and important questions.

©1968 Mrs. F.H.K. Henries (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political

Critic reviews

"A remarkable book, a grimly fascinating interpretation of the logic of the Russian Revolution...a tense and subtly intellectualized drama." ( Times Literary Supplement)
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a journey alongside someone who falls from grace and reviews the past while reflecting on the change in perspective time imposes on idealistic activities

times do not change

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an excellent piece of writing akin to 1984. perfectly captures the insanity of the soviet system

eloquent

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What an extraordinary book! And the narration is spot on. I will read /listen to this many more times.

Amazing

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this is the best book on this topic iv read up there with gulag archipelago

Brilliant book

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A great book to wrap your head around the merits, reasons for, and reasons why communism went the way it did in the 20th century. A brilliant reader too

A masterpiece of dialogue and argument

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