War & Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans

War and Turpentine- A Novel

War & Turpentine is a historical fiction novel based on the life of the author’s grandfather, Urbain Martien, during World War I. The story is a novelization of Martien’s life, from his impoverished childhood in late-nineteenth-century Belgium to his experiences as a soldier in the war and his later career as an artist.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different period of Martien’s life. The first part explores his childhood and family history, while the second part delves into his experiences as a soldier in the war. The third part focuses on his life after the war, including his struggles with poverty and his pursuit of a career as an artist.

Throughout the book, themes of war, poverty, family, and art are explored. The author uses his grandfather’s notebooks about World War I to create a harrowing account of war, poverty, and despair. The book also explores the role of art in Martien’s life and how it helped him cope with the trauma of war.

What I Liked

The setting of the novel is interesting.

What I Did Not Like

I thought it was. pretty forgettable novel.

War & Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans
$16.15
In War & Turpentine, Stefan Hertmans tells the story of his grandfather, Urbain Martien, navigating life during World War I, from his tough childhood in Belgium to his later struggles as an artist. The book is split into three parts, each capturing a different stage of Martien's life, emphasizing themes of war, poverty, and the healing power of art. While I found the setting intriguing, I ultimately felt the novel fell short and was pretty forgettable. It had its moments, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
Pros:
  • The setting of the novel is interesting.
Cons:
  • I thought it was a pretty forgettable novel.
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02/11/2025 11:57 pm GMT
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