"The Assault" is a powerful novel by Harry Mulisch that explores the impact of a traumatic event on a young boy named Anton. Set in post-World War II Netherlands, the story begins when Anton witnesses the murder of a Dutch collaborator by the resistance. This moment changes his life forever, as he grapples with guilt, loss, and the complexities of morality. As Anton grows up, he encounters various people connected to that fateful night, each revealing different perspectives on the event. Through these interactions, the novel delves into themes of memory, identity, and the lasting effects of violence, ultimately questioning how we confront our past.