The Ascent

In the summer of 1979, a house in Ghent caught Stefan Hertmans’ attention. Despite its dilapidated state, he was drawn to the house and bought it on an impulse. Only twenty years later did he come to understand the house’s horrific history. Its previous owner, Willem Verhulst, had been a member of the SS.

Reflecting on this place that had been his home for so long, Hertmans was determined to find out more about Verhulst’s political and private life. He spoke to Verhulst’s family, consulted archives and found intimate documents. In doing so, Hertmans not only unravelled the links between the house’s former visitors and prominent contemporary figures, but also uncovered the marital drama that took place there: Verhulst’s commitment to the SS was at odds with the outlook of his Dutch wife, a deeply religious pacifist.

The Ascent is a captivating journey through a turbulent century, in which Hertmans once again demonstrates his mastery at spinning a personal story into an epic narrative.

Born in 1951, Stefan Hertmans has published novels, short-story collections, essays and poetry. In 1995 he was awarded the three-yearly Flemish poetry prize. He has also received two nominations for the VSB Poetry Prize. His novel War and Turpentine was longlisted for the International Man Booker Prize and the Best Translated Book Award.

David McKay is a translator of Dutch literature living in The Hague. He received the 2017 Vondel Prize for his translation of Hertmans’ War and Turpentine.