The first English translation of a spare and disturbing 1966 novel, set in the Netherlands during the German occupation in WW II. The story focuses on the ordeal of a Friesland fisherman who shelters refugees and whose son is caught working for the Resistance. Detained and interrogated by the Nazis, this unprepossessing soul experiences a remarkable transformation--discovering that, under duress and in captivity, he is for the first time in his life able to control his own destiny. A masterfully shaped narrative, brought to a very satisfying conclusion.