The Anton Wachter novels are a series of eight novels by Dutch author Simon Vestdijk, published between 1934 and 1960. They chronicle the life of Anton Wachter, from his childhood in the Dutch village of Lahringen to his middle age in Amsterdam. The novels are considered to be among Vestdijk's most important works, and they offer a rich and complex portrait of a man struggling with his identity, his relationships, and his place in the world.
The first novel in the series, Terug tot Ina Damman (1934), introduces us to Anton as a young boy who is haunted by the memory of his dead mother. He is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Lahringen, where he struggles to adjust to his new life. The second novel, Sint Sebastiaan (1939), follows Anton as he attends school in Lahringen and begins to develop his intellectual and artistic abilities. The third novel, Surrogaten voor Murk Tuinstra (1948), sees Anton move to Amsterdam to study medicine, but he soon becomes disillusioned with his studies and turns to writing instead.
The fourth novel in the series, De Andere School (1949), charts Anton's experiences as a young writer in Amsterdam. He falls in love with a woman named Marie, but their relationship is troubled by Anton's insecurities and jealousies. The fifth novel, De Beker van de Min (1956), takes place during World War II, and it follows Anton's attempts to come to terms with the war and its aftermath. The sixth novel, De Vrije Vogel en Zijn Kooien (1957), sees Anton move to Paris, where he tries to start a new life. However, he is soon drawn back to Amsterdam by his responsibilities to his family.
The seventh novel in the series, De Rimpels van Esther Ornstein (1959), finds Anton in his middle age. He is married to a woman named Esther, but their relationship is strained. Anton is also struggling with his health and his career. The eighth and final novel in the series, De Laatste Kans (1960), follows Anton in the last year of his life. He is diagnosed with cancer, and he must come to terms with his mortality.
The Anton Wachter novels are complex and challenging, but they are also rewarding. They offer a deep and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and they are sure to stay with you long after you finish reading them.
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