35 pages • 1 hour read
Copenhagen
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Book Brief
144
Play • Fiction
Copenhagen • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Copenhagen by Michael Frayn is a nonlinear two-act play where the spirits of physicists Niels Bohr, his wife Margrethe, and Werner Heisenberg reunite after death to understand a mysterious, pivotal meeting in 1941, which strained their friendship, involved discussions on atomic energy, and had significant historical repercussions. The play contains discussions of war and the atomic bomb.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Informative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
7,017 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michael Frayn's Copenhagen is widely praised for its intellectual rigor and thought-provoking narrative, focusing on the historical meeting between physicists Heisenberg and Bohr. Critics commend its intricate exploration of ethics and scientific responsibility. However, some find the dense scientific dialogue and abstract structure challenging, potentially alienating casual readers.
Who Should Read Copenhagen?
A reader who would enjoy Copenhagen by Michael Frayn likely appreciates intellectually stimulating drama that explores history, science, and ethics. Comparable to fans of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia and David Auburn's Proof, this audience values complex character interactions and thought-provoking themes.
7,017 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Werner Heisenberg
Werner Heisenberg
A former pupil of Bohr and a talented physicist whose visit to Bohr's home in 1941 sparks the central narrative. His character grapples with the complexities of moral choices and scientific advancements during wartime.
Margrethe Bohr
Margrethe Bohr
The insightful and socially adept wife of Niels Bohr, who serves as a narrative mediator. She maintains focus on the central question of why Heisenberg came to Copenhagen, guiding the story's progression.
144
Play • Fiction
Copenhagen • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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