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Historical Fiction· Belgium

War and Turpentine

by Stefan Hertmans
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2013Dutch
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About This Book

Published in 2013, War and Turpentine established Stefan Hertmans as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. War and Turpentine is a deeply moving novel that blends fact and fiction, inspired by the life of the author’s grandfather. The narrative weaves together the grandfather's experiences in World War I with his later life as an artist. Hertmans' evocative prose captures the brutality of war and the healing power of art, making it a significant contribution to both Belgian and world literature. Themes of war, art, memory run through the work. The book has received recognition from AKO Literature Prize 2014.

Book Details

AuthorStefan Hertmans
Published2013
Country of Origin🇧🇪 Belgium
LanguageDutch
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781101874028
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇧🇪 Belgium

This book is part of Belgium's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Belgium →

Editorial Assessment

War and Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2013 in Belgium, it engages with war, art, memory, family legacy in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: AKO Literature Prize 2014. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes War and Turpentine is how it handles its central concerns — war, art, memory, family legacy — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. War and Turpentine reflects Stefan Hertmans's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Belgium's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20160
✍️
About the Author
Stefan Hertmans
Belgium
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Stefan Hertmans is a Belgium author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is War and Turpentine about?

War and Turpentine is a deeply moving novel that blends fact and fiction, inspired by the life of the author’s grandfather. The narrative weaves together the grandfather's experiences in World War I with his later life as an artist. Hertmans' evocative prose captures the brutality of war and the healing power of art, making it a significant contribution to both Belgian and world literature.

Who wrote War and Turpentine?

War and Turpentine was written by Stefan Hertmans, from Belgium. First published in 2013.

What awards has War and Turpentine won?

War and Turpentine has received the following recognition: AKO Literature Prize 2014.

Is War and Turpentine worth reading?

War and Turpentine is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war, art, memory.

Where can I buy War and Turpentine?

You can buy War and Turpentine on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is War and Turpentine?

War and Turpentine is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is War and Turpentine from?

War and Turpentine originates from Belgium's literary tradition. Explore more books from Belgium on our country page.

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