86 pages • 2 hours read
Harry MulischThe Assault
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Assault by Harry Mulisch chronicles the life of Anton Steenwijk as he copes with the traumatic aftermath of a Nazi inspector's assassination in his neighborhood during World War II. The novel follows Anton from adolescence to adulthood, revealing how the violent event and the subsequent loss of his family shape his journey for truth and understanding until he ultimately makes peace with his past. The book includes themes of war violence, family loss, and psychological trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Harry Mulisch's The Assault is praised for its compelling narrative and deep historical context, capturing the lingering impacts of WWII on the protagonist, Anton. Critics commend Mulisch's lyrical prose and intricate plot structure. However, some find the pacing uneven and Anton's character development limited. Overall, the novel's strengths lie in its evocative storytelling and moral complexity.
Who Should Read The Assault?
Readers who relish profound explorations of moral ambiguity and the haunting aftermath of war will be captivated by Harry Mulisch's The Assault. Parallels to The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See highlight its appeal to those drawn to intricate narratives of World War II.