"Barabbas" is a novel by Swedish author Pär Lagerkvist, first published in 1950. The novel tells the story of Barabbas, a notorious criminal who was released from prison by Pontius Pilate in place of Jesus Christ.
The novel begins with Barabbas being released from prison following Pilate's decision to crucify Jesus. Barabbas is bewildered by the turn of events, and struggles to come to terms with the fact that he has been saved while Jesus has been put to death. He becomes obsessed with the figure of Christ, and begins to question the nature of sin, redemption, and the human condition.
As Barabbas travels through the ancient world, he encounters various characters, including Christian missionaries, Roman soldiers, and gladiators. Through his interactions with these people, Barabbas continues to grapple with his own sense of guilt and his attempts to understand the significance of Christ's death.
"Barabbas" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of faith, doubt, and redemption. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that has been praised for its vivid depiction of ancient Rome, its nuanced characterization of Barabbas, and its exploration of complex theological questions. The novel won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1951, cementing Lagerkvist's reputation as one of Sweden's most important writers.
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