A Guardian Angel Recalls
The central theme in Willem Frederik Hermans’ work is the Second World War. It was the perfect setting for his novels and stories, one that allowed him to express his outlook on life: in wartime the true, self-destructive nature of mankind emerges from beneath the thin veneer of civilization that, during times of peace, we take to be the whole story. In 2021, this classic novel – considered by Hermans to be one of his best – is appearing in English translation for the first time.
Original title
Herinneringen Van Een Engelbewaarder
Author
Willem Frederik Hermans
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With its hapless protagonist, acerbic tone, and laughable rumors of war (including German paratroopers disguised as nuns), much of this newly translated 1971 novel by the late Hermans is a comedy of errors. But its scenes of destruction are shattering and surreal […] A sly but scorching Dutch masterpiece.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Hermans is a prominent European author who has continued the tradition of E.T.A. Hoffmann, Kleist, Kafka, Céline and Sartre in a unique way.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung (on ‘The Darkroom of Damocles’)
Willem Frederik Hermans
Willem Frederik Hermans (1921-1995) is one of the greatest post-war Dutch authors. Before devoting his life to writing, Hermans taught Physical Geography at the University of Groningen for many years. He had already started writing and publishing in magazines at a young age. His polemic and provocative style led to a court case as early as 1952. His caustic pieces were compiled in 'Mandarijnen op zwavelzuur' (Mandarines in Sulphuric Acid, 1963), which was reprinted with additions a number of times.