User:Ridge83/sandbox

The novel was published by Bodley Head in 1991, and translated by Arnold J. Pomerans. It was later reissued by Gay Mens Press.The novel is no longer in print, and few used copies of the novel appear to be available to buy. A brief review of the novel appears in the TLS of April 5 1991 (number 4592), the review by Hans van de Waarsenburg. The review says the reason for the novel, the author's "secret", was triggered by a visit of Canadian war veterans to Amsterdam in 1980 on the 35th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. The reviewer calls it a "compelling literary work" and "with a great feeling for detail and atmosphere". Rudi as the 11 year old Jeroen in the novel, experiences an awakening of his sexuality first with his friend Jan, then with the sudden arrival of the liberators, in the form of an American soldier, Walt. As Waarsenberg says, Walt does violate Jeroen, and the descriptions are graphic and very realistic. Rudi van Dantzig captures the essence of one boy's first gay experience, at a time when it was taboo. While Walt is gentle and caring, and reaches out for Jeroen's consent, like the boy, the reader does feel uncomfortable, and that Jeroen is taken advantage of. Walt's actions could be called rape, but that is too simplistic. The author navigates this conflict, and this difficult ground well. The parallel is drawn between this relationship and the fleeting sexual relationships the other soldier's have for the local girls.