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The Assault

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

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Book Brief

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Harry Mulisch

The Assault

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Haarlem, Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Assault by Harry Mulisch chronicles the life of Anton Steenwijk as he copes with the traumatic aftermath of a Nazi inspector's assassination in his neighborhood during World War II. The novel follows Anton from adolescence to adulthood, revealing how the violent event and the subsequent loss of his family shape his journey for truth and understanding until he ultimately makes peace with his past. The book includes themes of war violence, family loss, and psychological trauma.

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

18,101 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Harry Mulisch's The Assault is praised for its compelling narrative and deep historical context, capturing the lingering impacts of WWII on the protagonist, Anton. Critics commend Mulisch's lyrical prose and intricate plot structure. However, some find the pacing uneven and Anton's character development limited. Overall, the novel's strengths lie in its evocative storytelling and moral complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Assault?

Readers who relish profound explorations of moral ambiguity and the haunting aftermath of war will be captivated by Harry Mulisch's The Assault. Parallels to The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See highlight its appeal to those drawn to intricate narratives of World War II.

4.0

18,101 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Haarlem, Netherlands • 1940s

Publication Year

1982

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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