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A review by andrewspink
De familie Wachtman by Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
5.0
Normally I'm not so enthusiastic about books with unlikeable or anti-hero characters. This book certainly falls into that category. Philip Wachtman is sexist, racist, conservative, selfish and arrogant. Nevertheless, the book was very enjoyable, not least for its humour. It was rather reminiscent of W.F. Hermans in part, especially where it was making fun of stuffy university academics, and that was also great fun. The characters were well-developed, and they also showed growth and change throughout the book. The plot was interesting, some elements were a little predictable, but other events you simply didn't see coming. It is written in a straightforward style, very readably. Its depth comes from the content.
The book went to a deeper level by raising questions about the conflicting rights of individuals wanting privacy and individuals needing information as well. It also addressed the issues of #MeToo in a very balanced way, showing both how sexual exploitation can destroy someone's psychological balance and also how damaging an unfounded allegation can be.
In the acknowledgments, Christiaan Thijm mentions that it took nine years to write. That explains its depth and complexity, and also why so many aspects work so well.
The book went to a deeper level by raising questions about the conflicting rights of individuals wanting privacy and individuals needing information as well. It also addressed the issues of #MeToo in a very balanced way, showing both how sexual exploitation can destroy someone's psychological balance and also how damaging an unfounded allegation can be.
In the acknowledgments, Christiaan Thijm mentions that it took nine years to write. That explains its depth and complexity, and also why so many aspects work so well.