First of all this is a book about relationships. Central is the friendship between fat and friendly Onno and lean and sharp Max, both intellectuals. Through them we meet several family members and lovers, most importantly Ada, a girl that first dates Max but eventually winds up with Onno. A son is born, Quinten, who could be Onno’s or Max’s. On this level there is a lot of fine-tuned grasping of the hights and depths in human relationships, some drama as their lifes unfold (including the death of Ada) and some feel-good stuff (e.g. Quinten growing up). On another level, there’s the metaphysical story about Gods relationship with humanity. Throughout the novel, events are commented on by angels who reside in heaven and look down upon struggling humanity. Quinten is designed by them to fulfill a (some would say terrible) purpose: steal Moses tables in Rome and return them to heaven, leaving humanity godless. Whether Quinten will succeed makes this book a page-turner. There is additional enjoyment in the political visions, expressed through Onno, and the painting of dutch society from the sixties onwards. Interesting other features include a visit from Onno and Max to Castro’s Cuba and a visit from (Jewish) Max to Auschwitz. ( )

Mulisch's magnum opus reads like a semi-religious-scientific-friendship intervowen lovestory-thriller. I read a a couple of times in both english and dutch (so here you are, lady in the other review, people ARE reading this book, thank god). It never bores me for a second.

If you only have the slightest affinity with, love, science, religion (you don't have to believe to like this, really) and art all wrapped up in an epic storyline you'll have a field day with this one. And eh... Don't let the proportions of the book scare you off. Once you've read through the first 100 pages you'll fly right through it... ( )

I really love this book. Mulisch writes very intelligent and shows a really unique view on life, religion and relationships. I read the book a couple of times and I'm still bored with it. ( )

Livejournal entry ( )

If there is one book I would want everyone I know to read for my own purely selfish reasons, it would be this one. I realize it's tedious. I know it's arrogant. And I accept that I may be somewhat baised because I read it in both English and Dutch (which is something I'm incredibly proud of.) but still, I would love just to know that other people are reading it. They can hate it or feel indifferent to it, or love it as much as I do. I just want the damn thing read. ( )