BOOK: Mystiek Lichaam - Frans Kellendonk

Title: Mystiek Lichaam (Mystical Body)
Author: Frans Kellendonk
Genre: Novel
Publisher: Salamander Klassiek
Pages: 202
Language: Dutch
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Old grumpy Gijsselhart is not dealing very well when his adult children return home. He adores his daughter Magda, but she's not his little girl anymore and she got herself pregnant. He is disappointed in his son Leendert, who's gay - another reason to despise him. When Magda invites the father of her baby into the house, Gijsselhart and Leendert both hate him and seem to bond together to get rid of him.

Review
This book was a gift and came highly recommended, but I found the characters too annoying. The point of view of an antisemite homophobe is not a very enjoyable read, especially not if he gets to indulge in all his hate and ignorance. The story is filled with flash-backs and very confusing. Once I put everything together I realized non of the characters are likable; these people are all scheming bastards and doomed to fail in life. There is simply nothing uplifting about the story and I felt very depressed afterwards. Read at your own risk.