A much darker book than anything else I have read by this author.
Set against the ever-threatening backdrop of World War I in a small village near Brussels in Belgium, it describes the rise and fall of Isidore, "Dore", the main character who starts out as a loathable buffoon, but slowly adapts to his circumstances and seemingly grows into a responsible citizen. Through manipulations on the black market, he manages to get rich and at least financially rise high above all his co-villagers, while morally remaining inferior. In the end this immaturity leads to his suicide, when all of a sudden his money has been irrevocably lost, due to ill-advised speculation.
Some of the other characters are as moving as they can get, notably teacher Noteleirs and Dore's daughter Jeanne, who both are painted with a loving and careful brush. Furthermore, there are genuine and gripping passages on the human condition in general and vivid characterisations of almost every person in the book.
Not sure if there is any translation of this ever made, but if not, it's a lost opportunity.
Dutch readers, attention, this is strongly recommended! ( )