One that I wanted to read for a while. This is the kind of novel that makes fiction worth reading, yes even an unique experience. It’s with a great deal of jealousy that I read about Amadeu Ignacio who works at daytime and writes at night. Like the protagonist, Gregorius, he barely sleeps. They don’t feelContinueContinue reading “Pascal Mercier – Nighttrain to Lissabon (2004)”
Tag Archives: Fiction
Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)
Watching the series Tour of Duty as a kid gave me the feeling to ‘see and feel’ the Vietnam War. This novel does an even better job. The battle for Matterhorn, one of the many hills in the dense Vietnam forest, tells the whole story: the horror of war, the friendships that keep the youngContinueContinue reading “Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)”
Remainder – Tom McCarthy (2005)
The book’s protagonist wants to recreate his memories, in the sense of actually rebuilding them, and spends all his money and time on it. As it gets more and more real, it also gets more violent. Highly original.
A Wilde Sheep Chase – Haruki Murakami (2000)
As millions of others, I call myself a Murakami fan. This books was my introduction to his world, one I will never forget.
Saturday – Ian McEwan (2005)
McEwan’s best.
Tirza – Arnon Grunberg (2006)
The best book I’ve read from one of the best Dutch contemporary authors.
Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee (2003)
In Coetzee’s post-Apartheid South-Africa violence is unleashed in new ways.
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad (1899)
Read it for the first time as a relatively young boy and was easily pulled into the adventures of Marlow and Kurtz. Re-reading years later gave me a better understanding of the depth of this beautiful allegory. Served as inspiration for Apocalypse Now, one of my all time favorites.
American Psycho – Brett Easton Ellis (1991)
Read all his books, but this one stands out. American Psycho is over the top in every sense: it’s cruel, fascinating and raises questions about one’s own motivations.
The Secret History – Donna Tartt (1993)
Reading it in two days at the age of 14, this book taught me the beauty of great literature. Will never forget the first sentence and have been looking for the mysterious country home, where Henry, Camilla and the rest came together, ever since.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonassons (2009)
A worldwide best seller, I found it a mediocre book, too childish. I only finished it because of the interesting historic bits.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 