Doctor Glas
Doctor Glas is an epistolary novel from 1905 written by Hjalmar Söderberg, portraying a doctor in 19th-century Sweden who confronts complex ethical and emotional challenges.
Synopsis
The narrative centers on Dr. Tyko Gabriel Glas, a well-regarded physician based in Stockholm, as revealed through his personal diary entries during a period of deep melancholy. The story's antagonist is Reverend Gregorius, a clergyman characterized by moral failings. The young wife of Gregorius confides in Glas about her unsatisfactory intimate life and requests his assistance. Despite her involvement with another man, Glas develops feelings for her and consents to help. When the Reverend asserts his "marital rights," Glas begins to devise a plan to kill him in order to liberate her. The novel explores sensitive issues such as abortion, women's rights, euthanasia, suicide, and eugenics. Due to its provocative subject matter, Söderberg faced considerable criticism within Swedish literary communities.
English translations
- The initial English version was issued in 1963, featuring an introduction by author William Sansom.
- In 2002, Anchor Books released an edition with an introduction by Canadian writer Margaret Atwood.
- A fresh translation by Rochelle Wright was published by Counterpoint in 2015.
Prequel
Swedish writer Bengt Ohlsson authored Gregorius in 2004, providing an expanded backstory for Söderberg's character Gregorius and illuminating the roots of his ethical degradation.
Film adaptations
- 1942: Swedish black-and-white film adaptation directed by Rune Carlsten.
- 1968: Danish film version helmed by director Mai Zetterling.