Ciske the Rat
1984 • Drama
Lovable Amsterdam street urchin, 11 year old Ciske is nevertheless much in need of love as the Dutch 1984 title suggests. He is a scamp with a heart of gold. He causes havoc in the classroom pouring ink over his teacher yet when a polio-crippled boy joins the class Ciske is one of the only children to befriend him and is bullied as a result. His mother works in a bar and Ciske helps out often late into the night - his father is at sea and his mother supplements her income with prostitution. Ciske is also a very angry young man and he smoulders with rage at life's injustices.
Runtime: 1h 47m
Dive into Piet Bakker's 'Ciske de Rat' and experience a profoundly emotive journey through the struggles of young Ciske, a character brought to life with intricate detail and authenticity. The novel presents a multi-dimensional exploration of adolescence, resilience, and redemption, offering readers a deeper insight into the protagonist’s interior world than the film adaptation.
The book delves into the themes of hardship and hope, painting vivid scenes of Ciske's tumultuous environment and the challenges he faces. Readers will appreciate how Bakker crafts an empathetic narrative that resonates long after the page is turned, inviting them to reflect on the nuances of youth and the societal influences that shape one's destiny. Choosing the novel over the film guarantees a richer, more layered experience and a truly immersive read.
Ciske the Rat inspired from
Ciske de Rat
by Piet Bakker
