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A review by chiel
De helaasheid der dingen by Dimitri Verhulst
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Almost the definition of the tragicomedy. The book straddles the line between memoir and fiction, and between laughs and tears. It balances to love and despise of the small town, his family, friends very well.
Read it in Vlaams, and enjoyed it.
It kinda reminded me of Ham On Rye by Bukowski; grimy upbringing, booze-soaked family life, raw masculinity, a kind of begrudging affection for all the tragic figures involved. But where Bukowski shrugs and drinks more, Verhulst injects a bit more irony, poetry, and even moments of tenderness or clarity.
Read it in Vlaams, and enjoyed it.
It kinda reminded me of Ham On Rye by Bukowski; grimy upbringing, booze-soaked family life, raw masculinity, a kind of begrudging affection for all the tragic figures involved. But where Bukowski shrugs and drinks more, Verhulst injects a bit more irony, poetry, and even moments of tenderness or clarity.