Comments on: The Darkroom of Damocles by WF Hermans – a review

By: Patty Vertaler

Patty Vertaler — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:35:03 +0000

Nice to see you developed a taste for this wonderful Dutch author. It has been a while since I read the Dutch version, would be interesting to read the translation!

By: Peter de Bruin

Peter de Bruin — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:16:40 +0000

I’m a collector of translated books from the Dutch writer W.F. Hermans. I’m looking for an uncorrected proof copy of the book ‘The darkroom of Damocles’ and ‘Beyond Sleep’.

By: War’s fog. « The Hieroglyphic Streets

War’s fog. « The Hieroglyphic Streets — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:33:57 +0000

[...] says it’s a riveting detective story and more. John Baker says the narrative is both a metaphysical mystery and a straight-forward wartime thriller. John Self appreciated the existential elements more than the plot of the thriller. Ben McNally [...]

By: Jarmo Berkhout

Jarmo Berkhout — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:14:07 +0000

Good review. It is good to know that the culturally somewhat introspective English pay at least some anttention to an unknown Dutch author like Hermans. I do have one remark: Hermans wasn’t shy at all. He was actually feared by almost anyone for his violent comments on people and events.
The Darkroom of Damocles is by the way not just Kafkaesque: the relation between Osewoudt and Dorbeck and the doubts about the existance of the latter, is symbolic of the conflict between essence and existance. This is the main theme of the book and of the greater part of Hermans’ other works.
Anywhay thanks for the review, it is a shame that Hermans isn’t widely known abroad.

By: albuterol

albuterol — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:38:56 +0000

Thanks for review. I think i will order it

By: steam shower

steam shower — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:51:43 +0000

Great review
Though Henri doesnt reminds me of anyone.
still i liked the getting dropped on the head part

By: Steam Shower

Steam Shower — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:14:38 +0000

I just ordered the translated version online and can’t wait to start reading it! Thanks for the review

Kat

By: Cigars

Cigars — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:55:13 +0000

It is said that everyone has a twin! Believe it or not typically most people do run across that person or know someone that knows that person. It’s one of the ironies of life.