De donkere kamer van Damokles (original 1958; edition 2012)

I started this book once before when I was in secondary school. Couldn't get through then, so I thought I'd give it a try again. Same result I'm afraid, I just couldn't get a hold of the story.
After trying several weeks (!), I just gave up. Yesterday I brought it back to the library. Just not written for me, this book. ( )

Here's another text I never previously read because of all the hype. If I'd read this back when I was 14 years old, it might've blown my mind.

This postmodern text is a (somewhat deceptively) easy, enjoyable read from which you can get more fun (if you're so inclined) by comparing discrepancies within the narrative in the final section with what allegedly occurred earlier in the text.

Spoiler alert!

[spoiler]From the moment Dorbeck showed up, I interpreted this book the same way as suggested by the psychologist at the end. However, by that point it's become apparent that the psychological interpretation cannot be definitive, for there's a third, philosophical level of meaning in the book.[/spoiler] ( )

The story of Henri, a tobacconist in Holland during the German occupation and subsequent WWII, is dangerous and a bit confusing. He meets Dorbeck, who gives him missions to accomplish to aid the anti-German allies. Henri is only too happy to complete these assignments, being rejected from the army. Strangely, he and Dorbeck look nearly identical, the only exception being their hair color. Henri is captured by various factions and his identity is questioned repeatedly, though no one can locate the elusive Dorbeck. I don't normally enjoy WWII-based fiction, but this wasn't bogged down with military references and combat tactics. It was a fun ride.

Food: German warm potato salad, the first time I had it. I didn't expect to like it, as most potato salad leaves me cold, and I went back for seconds. The flavor was intriguing and I couldn't quite tell what spices were in it. ( )

This book is based in Holland during the German occupation and follows the life of Henri Osewoudt from when he starts out as a tobacconist to support his wife and sick mother to him meeting Dorbeck and becoming a secret agent through to the times after the war when he was arrested by the Dutch Army after the war as a spy.

Henri thinks everything he does is linked to saving his country and helping Dorbeck fight the Nazis' but if this is why is no one believing him and calling him a traitor. And if he is Dorbeck's right hand why is he not stepping foward to save him at his time of greatest need.

This book is written to show the reader what the Dutch people had to live through with occupation. Also what was needed to be done to survive it and come out the other side. A well known Dutch book it translates well into English and is definately a book that you should read. A lot better I think than Harry Mullisch. ( )

Disturbing. Touching. Strong. Different. Surely worth reading. Not similar to any other book I've read. ( )