Ask a Dutch classmate for a book recommendation and this is what you get (in a sample of three independently solicited opinions, this was the result iAsk a Dutch classmate for a book recommendation and this is what you get (in a sample of three independently solicited opinions, this was the result in all three cases). So we know that there is a degree of unanimity among the Dutch when it comes to the books one should have read.
I have a harder time believing that my each of my three classmates had actually read this book when they made the recommendation. It's not terrible so far, but it is a bit heavy-handed. Kind of a Dutch version of Iris Murdoch, except that Dame Iris wasn't nearly as verbose as Harry Mulisch.
Am I reading it for the story? For the ideas? For the not-so-scintillating dialog (maybe something lost in translation?) Too early to pass judgement (I'm on page 200 of about 700)...more