An engaged audience gathered in Unity Books at midday on Wednesday the 26th of April for an event with Australian author and academic Winton Higgins, in discussion with Sir Anand Satyanand. The subject of the fascinating discussion was his recent historical novel Rule of Law, which focuses on the Nuremberg trials.
As a scholar of genocide and the Holocaust, Higgins turned his attention to the Nuremberg trials around five years ago. Concepts critical to international law and justice originated at Nuremberg, but the trials themselves have not been covered widely in literature. “Not only are the Nuremberg trials neglected, they are of burning significance today,” Higgins said. When asked why he chose to write about the trials in novel form, Higgins responded that a novel suited the drama of the events. “I really wanted to bring Nuremberg to life.” His daughter helped to reconstruct a map of the interior of the Palace of Justice, where the trials were held, as a useful reference for readers.
After Satyanand officially launched the book, the audience eagerly lined up to purchase their copies and have them signed by Higgins.
Rule of Law will be back in stock soon. If you would like to pre-order a copy, you can email us at wellington@unitybooks.co.nz, or call (04) 499 4245.
Words and pictures by Cassie Richards