Stefan Hertmans
1) The ascent
Author
Publisher
Harvill Secker
Pub. Date
2022
Description
In 1979, Stefan Hertmans fell in love with a beautiful dilapidated old house in Ghent in Belgium, which he lovingly rescued from decay, as it became his peaceful sanctuary. Now, all these years later, he learns that a bust of Hitler once sat on the mantelpiece, and a war criminal relaxed in its rooms with his family. This shocking discovery sends Hertmans off to the archives and to interview next of kin, to uncover the secrets of the house and reimagine...
2) The convert
Author
Publisher
Harvill Secker
Pub. Date
2019.
Description
A brilliant reconstruction of an incredible journey across middle ages Europe to Egypt, and an untold story of forgotten documents and forbidden love. In a small town in Provence, people have spoken of an ancient pogrom and a hidden chest since time immemorial. Then, at the end of the 19th century, a startling collection of Jewish documents was found in a synagogue in Cairo. Stefan Hertmans has based 'The Convert' on historical fact, and he traces...