In 1914, André Gide—already a famous writer—was called for jury duty. This book is his notebook from that time. He sat through real criminal trials in a French 'Cour d'Assises'. The cases ranged from a young servant girl accused of theft to more serious crimes of violence. Gide writes down what he saw and heard: the arguments of the lawyers, the testimony of witnesses, the faces of the accused. He follows the process from the juror's room to the final verdict.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. It’s not a dry legal record. Gide has a novelist’s eye for detail. You feel the heavy atmosphere of the courtroom and the weight of the decisions being made. He’s honest about his own doubts. Should he judge a desperate person harshly? Can he ever really know the truth? He questions the whole system, wondering if it truly delivers justice or just goes through the motions. It’s about people, not just laws.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone interested in true crime, French history, or human psychology. If you like stories that make you think about right and wrong, this is for you. It’s also a great choice if you want to try Gide’s writing but find his novels challenging. This is direct, clear, and deeply human. You’ll finish it in a sitting, but you’ll think about it for much longer.