Wednesday, 3rd December 2025
The National Liberal Club’s luncheon circle was the setting for a truly memorable literary event this week, as Hon. Richard Harper presented his acclaimed new work, DISPLACEMENT: Zweig, Roth, and Benjamin.
Harper’s presentation proved to be a resounding success, offering attendees an insightful, emotional, and deeply moving exploration of three of the twentieth century’s most brilliant—and tragic-literary figures.
Karin Rehacek, immediate past chair of the NLC, described the talk as “superb” and “a memorable exploration of the book,” adding that she eagerly looks forward to reading Harper’s work in full.
Three Lives, One Harrowing Story
DISPLACEMENT brings together for the first time the interconnected biographies of Stefan Zweig, Joseph Roth, and Walter Benjamin, three dazzling talents whose lives and work were shattered by the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe. All three were displaced from their homes, stripped of their cultural worlds, and ultimately hunted to death.
As Professor Jeremy Myerson of the Royal College of Art observes: “As we face a growing refugee crisis today, the message of ‘Displacement’ could not be more relevant.”
Dr Mark Donnelly, Associate Professor of History at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, notes that these writers serve as “a ‘warning sign’ of how the seemingly secure foundations of civilised society can collapse when persecution and hatred become a new kind of orthodoxy.”
A Timely and Essential Read
Richard Harper, who studied law at Magdalen College, Oxford, and served as a family law judge, brings a unique perspective to this work. The central theme throughout his writing, whether in law or literature, is the examination of injustice and how it may be ameliorated.
In DISPLACEMENT, Harper wraps the harrowing realities of exile around philosophical questions of art, nationalism and Jewish identity, creating a work that is both historically rigorous and profoundly relevant to our contemporary moment.
The Perfect Christmas Gift
As we enter the season of gift-giving, DISPLACEMENT: Zweig, Roth and Benjamin stands out as essential reading. This is a book that challenges, moves and enlightens—perfect for anyone who values literary history, European culture and thoughtfully crafted nonfiction.
The experiences of Zweig, Roth, and Benjamin remind us why vigilance matters, why culture matters, and why the stories of displacement and exile continue to resonate today.
Make DISPLACEMENT your must-read book this Christmas.
DISPLACEMENT: Zweig, Roth, and Benjamin by Richard Harper is available now from all major booksellers.
arrowgatepublishing.com 