The Judas Tree
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| The Judas Tree | |
| Author | A. J. Cronin |
|---|---|
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Novel |
| Publisher | Gollancz United Kingdom Little, Brown  United States |
| Publication date | 1961 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 345 p. (UK hardback edition) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-450-01393-6 (UK hardback edition) |
The Judas Tree is a 1961 novel by A. J. Cronin. It tells the story of David Moray, a wealthy, retired Scottish doctor living in Switzerland, who is haunted by the memory of Mary Cameron, a woman he loved and wronged in his youth. He returns home to seek her out and make amends, but learns that she has died. Instead, he encounters her young, penniless daughter, Kathy, and indulges in a friendship that turns into more. Ultimately he again, not believing he can have a life with her, he chooses a countess whom is more of a friend to marry. The betrayal to young Kathy upsets her to his surprise and has terrible consequences. In the end, overwhelmed with guilt from a lifetime twisted by selfishness, lust, and betrayal, David looks out toward the Judas tree - an unhappy ending is implied. Previously in the book, a Judas tree was discussed and referred to as "The Tree of Lost Souls." Some might assume David has realized at the end that he is a lost soul after having caused such sadness due to his lack of character.
[edit] Film Versions
The 1975 Bollywood film, Mausam, directed by Gulzar and starring Sharmila Tagore and Sanjeev Kumar, is loosely based on Cronin's novel.
[edit] External links
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