Without Mercy by Renate Dorrestein (Good, 2003, Pbk, 231 pages, Penguin)

“Without Mercy” by Renate Dorrestein is a poignant novel that delves into the shattered lives of Frank and Phinus Vermeer. Their once-ideal family existence is brutally disrupted when their beloved teenage son, Jem, falls victim to a senseless murder. The aftermath of this tragedy strains their marriage, pushing them into an emotional abyss from which escape seems impossible.

The book, translated by Hester Velmans, explores themes of grief, guilt, and the fragile threads that hold families together. As the Vermeers grapple with their loss, they confront their own vulnerabilities and secrets. Franka, a compassionate social worker, clings to the belief that even sociopaths can be redeemed. Meanwhile, introverted Phinus harbors the knowledge that Jem’s death might have been preventable.