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Cover of The Assault
Historical Fiction· Netherlands

The Assault

by Harry Mulisch
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1982Dutch
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About This Book

Published in 1982, The Assault established Harry Mulisch as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. The Assault is a gripping novel by Harry Mulisch that delves into the aftermath of a traumatic event during World War II in the Netherlands. The story follows Anton Steenwijk, whose life is forever changed by a violent incident involving the Nazis. Mulisch's exploration of memory, guilt, and the long shadows of war has made this novel a significant contribution to post-war European literature. Themes of memory, guilt, war run through the work. The book has received recognition from F. Bordewijk Prize 1982.

Book Details

AuthorHarry Mulisch
Published1982
Country of Origin🇳🇱 Netherlands
LanguageDutch
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780394744209
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

This book is part of Netherlands's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Harry Mulisch's 'The Assault' masterfully explores the haunting legacy of war and the moral complexities of guilt and responsibility. Through the lens of a single traumatic event and its far-reaching consequences, Mulisch delves into themes of memory, identity, and the inescapable nature of the past. The novel's intricate narrative structure and philosophical depth invite readers to confront the ambiguities of human morality, making it a significant contribution to post-war literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
19850
✍️
About the Author
Harry Mulisch
Netherlands
View Author →

Harry Mulisch is a Netherlands author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Assault about?

The Assault is a gripping novel by Harry Mulisch that delves into the aftermath of a traumatic event during World War II in the Netherlands. The story follows Anton Steenwijk, whose life is forever changed by a violent incident involving the Nazis. Mulisch's exploration of memory, guilt, and the long shadows of war has made this novel a significant contribution to post-war European literature.

Who wrote The Assault?

The Assault was written by Harry Mulisch, from Netherlands. First published in 1982.

What awards has The Assault won?

The Assault has received the following recognition: F. Bordewijk Prize 1982.

Is The Assault worth reading?

The Assault is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in memory, guilt, war.

Where can I buy The Assault?

You can buy The Assault on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Assault?

The Assault is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Assault from?

The Assault originates from Netherlands's literary tradition. Explore more books from Netherlands on our country page.

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