Oscar van den Boogaard – Child Soldier
Oscar van den Boogaard – Child Soldier
Coming soon: read a sample translation of Child Soldier
About the book
Child Soldier is an epic about two illustrious Dutch families living on the border with Germany. Against the backdrop of wars and major social changes, they cling to the old world order. The story begins in 1888 at the family castle Metternich, with its Dutch and Prussian gates. The twins Nol and Max are there and spend their childhood with Nora, the girl from down the road. At the outbreak of the First World War, the 18-year-old brothers leave the castle through different gates, landing themselves on the opposite sides of history. The consequences of their choices will determine the fates of the generations to come.
When Nora’s rebellious daughter Elsie – traumatised by her parents’ unhappy marriage and family secrets – meets a Dutch prince on a ski holiday in the 1950s, their love seems as impossible as it does necessary.
‘A magnum opus. Child Soldier has the required magnitude and class...an author at the peak of his powers.’ ***** De Standaard
‘A literary pearl. The best of this writer thus far.’ ***** Het Nieuwsblad
‘A Couperus-esque family history written in tight dialogues.’ **** De Limburger
‘Bursting with marvellous scenes, the sentences are always worth the effort, the discoveries are striking, peculiar and infectious.’ De Groene Amsterdammer
‘Marvellously written. A magnificent novel with which he’s placed himself in the echelon of Tommy Wieringa and the great writers of his generation.’ Nieuwsweekend
Author
Oscar van den Boogaard (b. 1964) grew up in Suriname and the Netherlands. He studied law and French in Montpellier, Amsterdam and Brussels, but after working briefly as a lawyer he chose to become a writer. His work (including Julia’s Delight, Love’s Death and More Than a Lover) has been translated into numerous languages, filmed and nominated for the great literary prizes.
Additional book information
- Novel
- ISBN 9789023457756
- Number of pages: 512
- World rights: De Bezige Bij
- Price: € 24,99
- English sample translation available