Smoothly translated by Lisa Lieberman, Simone de Beauvoir looks at revenge and justice. This is a courageous essay that doesn't flinch from looking at human limitations - even exploring the limits of human will. As well as dealing with logic and the legal process, it looks at the emotional side of revenge and justice - and questions the validity of both.
It's so good to read such a thoughtful and thorough exploration of subjects so many of us steer clear of - or are frightened to address.
Lisa Lieberman's introduction highlights the substance of the essay - 'Why does this revenge so ardently desired leave a taste of ashes in our mouths'.
In her struggle to answer this, Simone de Beauvoir leaves no stone unturned - no matter how scary the subject ( )