Since my first novel "Looking for the Summer" was published in 1996 I
have been asked on several occasions to do a presentation on the issue
of conscientious objection. There are a number of academic groups in
Japan focusing on the social history and literature of the 1960s. They
seem to be quite interested in making a connection between conscientious
objection and Japan's peace constitution. In particular, these scholars
are interested in the experiences of secular COs, those who have
resisted on moral and philosophical grounds rather than on religious
grounds.
I have often been asked to provide information about novels that have a
conscientious objector as the main protagonist (or one of the main
protagonists). I am also considering doing a research paper. There are
plenty of non-fiction books and articles on the issue, but aside from my
own novel, "The Brothers K" by David James Duncan, and "The Climate of
the Country," a new novel by Marnie Mueller (listed as published Feb.
1999 in Amazon.com), I know of no other titles.
I am hoping that there might be some SIXTIES-L readers who can help me
find other works of fiction that have a CO as one of the main
protagonists. Thanks.
Robert Norris
norris@gol.com