Another - and highly interesting/effective - take on the Dreyfus story. This author provided a significantly broader view of the situation than anything I've previously read, well worth it. A highly useful part of the background included Dreyfus family history going back to their days in Alsace and beyond. In terms of Jewish experiences, very complementary to this book (which by coincidence I was working through at the same time). Anti-Semitism intensifying as 20th century dawns - almost unbelievable, except that it somehow continues to this day.
Dreyfus family intensely patriotic notwithstanding everything - true believers in the ideals of the Revolution (if grievously tarnished).
It's really a truth-stranger-than-fiction situation - hugely interesting, very helpful in thinking about the 20th century. Defining for France, etc. No wonder folks like Proust were so focused - everyone was.
One other reaction: the recent historical fiction version was really quite well done.
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