The Assault
Harry Mulisch · 1927–2010 · Netherlands
Originally De Aanslag (Dutch)
Why it matters
A boy's family is executed in reprisal after a collaborator is shot outside their house, and he spends decades reassembling what really happened that night. Mulisch's tightly constructed reckoning with Dutch wartime memory.
At a glance
historical fictionpsychological novel
Difficulty 4/10medium pace208 pagesA clear five-part structure moving steadily through decades.
Where to go next
Harry Mulisch · 1992The Discovery of HeavenLvl 6Medium pace
Cees Nooteboom · 1980RitualsLvl 6Slow burn
Hugo Claus · 1983The Sorrow of BelgiumLvl 6Medium pace
Kazuo Ishiguro · 1989The Remains of the DayLvl 5Slow burn
Peter Handke · 1972A Sorrow Beyond DreamsLvl 6Slow burn
D. H. Lawrence · 1913Sons and LoversLvl 5Medium pace