De Tranen Der Acacia's (1949)

About a week ago, I finished reading De Tranen Der Acacia's (The Tears Of The Acacias) of W.F. Hermans. It's his first novel that takes place during World War II, but not like you expected. The war is just a circumstance wich causes more reflection of the characters than real drama. The real story is in the relationships the characters are having with eachother during the war. I must say, it wasn't very easy to read it. Some parts were even boring because of the use of too much details.

Nevertheless, it's interesting to read how the main character Arthur feels like he haven't really experienced the war or how he thinks Holland was just an unimported part in the history of this war. There's also a lot of interesting cynisme going on about the dutch resistence too.

De title refers to the acacias the stepmother of Arthur likes to see as the only flowers in her room. Arthur's stepmother is in bed because of her chronic illness and dislikes regular flowers, because they make her sad as they wither. According to the story, the acacias always stay green.

This book is one of the hardest book I've read in times. It's hard because of the many details and the number of characters. Still, it has a lot of things to think about. Take that within your consideration if you decide to read this book or not.