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Historical novels generally follow a simple recipe. A major event in history forms the foundation for a fictional recounting that mixes real characters with fictional counterparts. History and fiction coincide in a manner that allows the reader to consider real events in a different context than historical narration. The list of novels and great authors that have followed this tried and true pattern is a lengthy one. NUREMBERG: The Reckoning by William F. Buckley Jr. follows the general recipe for the historical novel. Unfortunately, although the ingredients are all in the bowl, chef Buckley has not brought forth a successful entrée.
William F. Buckley Jr. is a master of both the spoken and written word. A well-recognized, conservative political philosopher, he often appears on public television as a participant in major debates on significant public policy issues. As an author he has extended himself beyond politics in a wide range of fictional efforts that defy categorization. He has authored 15 novels and over 25 additional works of nonfiction. NUREMBERG, as its title implies, is a story centered on the post World War II war crimes tribunal. The historical cast of real life characters is present. Herman Goering, Albert Speer, and Justice Robert Jackson all make appearances in the novel. When those participants are present the story does have some spark. Sadly, those moments are simply too infrequent.
The story begins and ends in Germany and covers the historical epoch from pre- to post-World War II. In 1939, 13-year-old Sebastian Reinhard and his family are scheduled to leave Germany to emigrate to the United States. Axel Reinhard, Sebastian's father, is denied permission by the Gestapo to leave the country. He promises his family that his detention will be brief and he will join them shortly in their new homeland. His family never hears from him again.
Sebastian, now living in America, becomes a valuable commodity in the war effort. Fluent in German, he is assigned to the Nuremberg trials as a translator and interrogator. His return to the homeland of his youth allows him to accomplish several tasks --- most importantly, an investigation into the fate of his father in Nazi Germany. Sebastian becomes Buckley's eyes and mind at the Nuremberg trials. From the character's viewpoint, as expressed by the author, the reader confronts issues raised by both the inhumanity of the Nazi government and the concepts of justice established by the victorious allies at the Nuremberg trials. The historical significance of these issues has not been diminished by the passage of 50 years. Many of these same concerns are once again being discussed and debated in a world struggling to confront the evils of terrorism.
NUREMBERG: The Reckoning is not William Buckley's finest accomplishment, but there are some entertaining and thought provoking areas in the book. One of the interesting aspects of historical novels often is the philosophy that the author brings to the era. Buckley's thoughts and views about the war crimes trials as well as those of the participants, as expressed by his characters, make for interesting reading. Unfortunately, those scenes and those characters cannot carry this book. Those readers who enjoy Bill Buckley or who are students of the Nuremberg Trials will enjoy this book. Other readers will have difficulty navigating its slowly developed story.
--- Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
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