This new novel by Dimitri Verhulst resembles a quirky pamphlet and a moral fable. The narrator considers himself part of the 'lost generation', which has no illusions about the state of the world - both in absurd Belgium and in the distressingly imperfect world beyond. He puts a finger on the symptomatic fever blisters of contemporary society, of the so-called 'malcontent mass'. With his bizarre imaginings, harsh criticisms and stylistic verve, he exposes an embarrassing reality, which often makes you laugh conspiratorially, and then cry.
DIMITRI VERHULST (b. 1972) is the author of many award-winning books in his native Flemish, three of which have previously been translated into English. His work is translated into two dozen languages worldwide.
DAVID COLMER is a multi-award winning translator whose work includes translations of Hugo Claus, Adriaan van Dis, Anna Enquist and Arthur Japin. In 2012 he was awarded the Dutch Foundation for Literature prize for lifetime achievement in translation.