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meenakshisankar 's review for:
The Assault
by Harry Mulisch
The Assault is a brilliantly narrated novel with a prologue that sets the context of the central character who is living in Nazi occupied Holland. Anton is twelve years old when a Dutch policeman, a known collaborator with Nazis, is killed by members of the underground resistance movement. It happens right in the neighborhood of four houses, one of which is where Anton lives. In retaliation, the Germans kill Anton’s parents and brother. The remaining novel comprises of various episodes in Anton’s life as he grows old and puts everything together on what actually happened on that fateful night. It is also a colorful summary of the development of a man in the post-war era of Europe. I read that this novel was based on a true incident, and Harry Mulisch’s writing skills ensure that the impact is brought out very effectively. The final twist in the tale was unexpected and added to the beauty of the novel. Spectacular stuff!