Explained: The Assault – De Aanslag – Harry Mulisch (podcast)

In this episode, we delve into The Assault (De Aanslag) by Dutch author Harry Mulisch—an intense and deeply moving novel that examines how a single night during World War II can ripple through a lifetime. Set in Nazi-occupied Holland, the story follows Anton Steenwijk, a young boy whose life is shattered by a violent event outside his home. Decades later, Anton begins to uncover the truth behind that fateful night, confronting the complex realities of guilt, resistance, trauma, and moral ambiguity. Join us as we unpack Mulisch’s masterful weaving of personal and historical memory, and how The Assault challenges our understanding of justice, fate, and the long psychological aftermath of war. 🔍 A gripping narrative rooted in history, The Assault remains one of the most powerful Dutch novels of the 20th century—and a must-read for anyone interested in postwar literature. 📚 Subscribe for more deep dives into powerful works of classic and modern fiction! #HarryMulisch #TheAssault #DutchLiterature #HistoricalFiction #WWIILiterature #Podcast