About the book
It is the winter of 1945, the last dark days of World War II in occupied Holland. A Nazi collaborator, infamous for his cruelty, is assassinated as he rides home on his bicycle. The Germans retaliate by burning down the home of an innocent family; only twelve-year-old Anton survives.
Based on actual events, The Assault traces the complex repercussions of this horrific incident on Anton's life. Determined to forget, he opts for a carefully normal existence: a prudent marriage, a successful career, and colorless passivity. But the past keeps breaking through, in relentless memories and in chance encounters with others who were involved in the assassination and its aftermath, until Anton finally learns what really happened that night in 1945—and why.
Editions of The Assault
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780394542454
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780394744209
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307801869
Read an Excerpt
It is the winter of 1945, the last dark days of World War II in occupied Holland. A Nazi collaborator, infamous for his cruelty, is assassinated as he rides home on his bicycle. The Germans retaliate by burning down the home of an innocent family; only twelve-year-old Anton survives.
Based on actual events, The Assault traces the complex repercussions of this horrific incident on Anton's life. Determined to forget, he opts for a carefully normal existence: a prudent marriage, a successful career, and colorless passivity. But the past keeps breaking through, in relentless memories and in chance encounters with others who were involved in the assassination and its aftermath, until Anton finally learns what really happened that night in 1945—and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Assault about?
It is the winter of 1945, the last dark days of World War II in occupied Holland. A Nazi collaborator, infamous for his cruelty, is assassinated as he rides home on his bicycle. The Germans retaliate by burning down the home of an innocent family; only twelve-year-old Anton survives.
Based on actual events, The Assault traces the complex repercussions of this horrific incident on Anton's life. Determined to forget, he opts for a carefully normal existence: a prudent marriage, a successful career, and colorless passivity. But the past keeps breaking through, in relentless memories and in chance encounters with others who were involved in the assassination and its aftermath, until Anton finally learns what really happened that night in 1945—and why.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Assault?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of The Assault?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780394542454
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Assault?
Harry Mulisch
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Assault is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780394542454) and paperback(ISBN 9780394744209) and ebook(ISBN 9780307801869)
Where can I buy The Assault online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Assault from below
Where can I buy The Assault?