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The Ascent
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Check link for latest rating. ( 3,095 ratings, 318 reviews)
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The Ascent
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The dazzling new novel by the author of the modern classic War and Turpentine
In the summer of 1979, Stefan Hertmans fell in love with a dilapidated house in Ghent. He rescued it from decay, and it became his peaceful sanctuary. Decades on, he learns that a bust of Hitler once sat on the mantelpiece, and a war criminal and his family relaxed in its rooms.
This shocking discovery sends Hertmans to the archives, where he uncovers the secrets of the house and the atrocities committed by its former owner Willem Verhulst. Drawing on the historical record and interviews with Verhulst’s family, Hertmans reimagines the life of a weak, narcissistic man who climbed the ranks of the SS. Hertmans also uncovers the marital drama that took place in the house: Verhulst’s commitment to the SS was at odds with the outlook of his wife, a deeply religious pacifist.
The Ascent is an immersive tale of war, family and individual fate, in which Hertmans demonstrates his mastery at spinning a personal story into an epic narrative.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Ascent by Stefan Hertmans has been praised as a powerful reminder of the enthralling nature of historical events and their modern-day implications. Reviews highlight Hertmans' vivid and imaginative storytelling, particularly his portrayal of scenes within a house that he later owned. The book is noted for its investigative depth, psychological insight, and narrative skill, akin to authors like W. G. Sebald. Critics appreciate its haunting authenticity and reflections on war and evil, while others commend the engaging exploration of history's role in contemporary society.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781922458858
Publisher: Text Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 January 2023
Country: Australia
Imprint: The Text Publishing Company
Contributors:
- Translated by David McKay
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 400
About the Author
Stefan Hertmans is the prize-winning author of many literary works, including poetry, novels, essays, plays, short stories and a handbook on the history of art. His novel War and Turpentine was longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize, and was chosen as a book of the year in The Times, the Sunday Times and the Economist, and as one of the ten best books of the year in the New York Times.
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