Scars Of The Heart - 2024
“Scars Of The Heart” received a New York Book 2024 Festival Honorary Mention in the category Anthologies/Compilations. Literary Titan awarded the Compilation with a Gold Award 2024.
Why can people be so cruel to each other? In his search for answers, Bob Van Laerhoven concentrates on individuals, but ideologies, religions, and political structures shimmer in the background.
Through ten stories set in different countries and eras, Van Laerhoven takes us through the destructive consequences of our passions as a common thread, from contemporary Syria to Algeria in the 1950s and the civil war in Liberia to the uprising in Belgian Congo in the 1960s.
The ten stories in SCARS OF THE HEART highlight the dark side of love, which fuels our violence, inner loneliness, and greedy egos.
Reviews
Scars of The Heart by Bob Van Laerhoven is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the profound impacts of war. The initial stories, set in various war eras, are particularly devastating, highlighting the unquantifiable effects of war on the human psyche. Through these narratives, Van Laerhoven transports readers to the shattered worlds of war-torn individuals, offering poignant glimpses into their lives and struggles. The author takes a unique approach to representing human nature, weaving tales featuring diverse characters, including aliens, painters, friends, and enemies, and exploring themes of betrayal, loyalty, greed, love, and revenge. This eclectic mix adds depth and variety to the collection, ensuring that each story is distinct and memorable. Van Laerhoven's writing style is reminiscent of the macabre and powerful prose of Roald Dahl. His stories shock and captivate, blending mysticism with stark reality. Although fictional, these tales resonate with truths about the human condition. Not all stories are set on battlefields, but the sense of war—whether physical or psychological—permeates the collection. The settings range from the war-torn Middle East to World War II and Nazi Germany, bridging past and present to create relevant and relatable narratives. I finished the book with immense respect for the author’s raw and heartbreaking portrayals of reality. The non-war stories are equally compelling, showcasing Van Laerhoven's versatility and skill in crafting riveting tales. Fans of Roald Dahl or Edgar Allan Poe will appreciate the beautifully crafted stories in Scars of The Heart. For those who enjoy well-constructed plots and complex characters, this collection is a must-read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can endure the psychological turmoil and pain depicted, as it offers profound insights into the atrocities and resilience of life.
5-stars Literary Titan Review
In Scars of the Heart, Bob Van Laerhoven has taken a most controversial subject and written ten short stories around it. Each story is unique in its own right but the same theme is carried through each one. The author holds the reader’s attention in each story for different reasons. This is not a fast read but the reader will find that after each story they will ponder on the character or characters and how they came to be who they were and why. The author has taken some of the most sordid and sad stories in people’s lives and will have the reader thinking and realizing that there are always two sides to a situation, even if evil and serious atrocities have been committed against the innocent people in each story. The title, Scars of the Heart, is an apt theme in each story.
In Scars of the Heart, the author shows how we take our fears, problems, scars, and failings with us and almost without fail project them onto our children. We leave our children with a form of PTSD that they have no way of leaving behind as adults are prone to talk about the ugly things that happened in their lives rather than the good. Each story has a different tale and lesson to be learned and each title is more intriguing than the last. Bob Van Laerhoven has highlighted the atrocities that were committed during the various wars throughout the ages, how nobody is ever allowed to forget them, and how it affects vulnerable youngsters growing up as they learn the truth--as seen through the eyes of a relative, family friend, or even history--of what happened to their family, village, and country. This is a most interesting anthology and will give readers much food for thought. It is a profound read and I will be sure to reread some of the more intriguing stories because there is so much to learn from them.
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars
Mr. Van Laerhoven is an artist with words who paints in all mediums. He also has the ability to make you think and feel.In this collection of short stories his talent is on display with a heavier hand in horror and angst, and it works well. There is no sugar coating what the characters see and do, and yet it is so real, you can picture each part of it, and will find the stories will not go away when you finish them. For instance, Drees the painter was cursed, no matter what he did, and to make matters worse his best friend's spirit haunts him. The spirit has company in his guilt. The story is at once old and new, and everything in between. It even has a reference to the race driver, Sterling Moss. The noir is as thick as the betrayal, the revenge, and the retribution; it all ends up in a unrelenting drive to (hiding the spoiler).From the story the Abomination there is a comparison: the Doctors Without Borders treat all the patients alike, including the murderers and their almost victims---all under one roof.
“What do stupid Westerners know of the honour of hatred?” A line that stands out and reminds us that there is whole world out there of so many cultures and history, something Van Laerhoven describes so well.
This story in particular is multi-layered: the narrator is the murderer (honorably in his opinion) of many, and when he later meets one of his victims, he really sees what he did to a victim in the hospital room next to his. He remembers killing her sisters viciously, and yet he tries to atone. His solution is unexpected, except when you realize the circular beauty of retribution and (hiding spoiler) seems to be his unique way of resolving it all.
These stories are wonderful, unsettling, and should be on your list to read. Highly recommended.
Hussong’s Cantina – Amazon.com - 5 stars-Goodreads
…We follow ten different individuals set across different times and places, ranging from Nazi Germany to the Middle East to Congo, as they struggle with the darkness and pain of war. Van Laerhoven powerfully hits home the effects of war…This book leaves you reeling with big emotions. This is one of these books that stick with you and makes you think…
Josh Grant -Diabolic Shrimp - Goodreads- Amazon
Scars of the Heart is a collection of short stories by Bob van Laerhoven that explores the darker sides of the human psyche and the complex nature of human relationships. Laerhoven brings together narratives on the themes of love, loss, revenge, and redemption. Each story is complete on its own, yet together, they paint a vivid picture of the scars that life can leave on the heart.The prose is rich with descriptive language that is both poetic and brutal. Although the tone varies across stories, reflecting the changing settings and themes, the reader can discern a consistent thread of intensity and self-reflection throughout the collection. The characters in Scars of the Heart are well-developed, complex, and deeply human, flawed and struggling with inner demons. Each character’s journey is relatable, drawing the reader into their world, empathizing with their plights, even when their actions are morally questionable.
A major theme in Scars of the Heart is the lasting impact of trauma and how each person copes with their pain. Whether through revenge, redemption, or acceptance, each character's story testifies to the resilience of the human spirit. Laerhoven also touches on themes of identity, power, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, both in cultural and socio-political contexts.
“The Abomination” is a remarkable story in this collection. A terrorist who has lost limbs in a blast struggles with his past actions and the physical and emotional scars they have left behind. Set in a war-torn country, the story explores guilt, revenge, and the quest for redemption. Another notable story is “Lilies of the Valley.” A lady who lost her father in the war uses sex as a weapon to obtain favors for her brother. The exploration of familial bonds and the struggle for survival is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, attesting to Laerhoven's talent for capturing the dynamics of human relationships.
While Scars of the Heart is an intriguing collection, some readers may find the intensity and dark themes challenging. Laerhoven does not shy away from depicting violence and emotional suffering. While these align with the subject of the stories, they can be unsettling. Additionally, the complex nature of some stories may require careful reading for a full appreciation of the symbolism they embody. For fans of thought-provoking and emotionally resonant fiction, I give it five stars out of five.
5-Star Review David Ikediuwa - Goodreads
This was a collection unlike anything I've ever really read before. I joined a booktour to read this collection because it stood out to me, the description definitely drew me in, and I wanted to know more.(…)I don't know what genre I would personally classify this as it wasn't horror, but it was horrific. It is listed as short stories and travel, but I just personally don't think that sums this up. It's truly in a category all its own.
Bookaholics Reviews – four stars - Goodreads- Instagram
Scars of The Heart by Bob Van Laerhoven is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the profound impacts of war. The initial stories, set in various war eras, are particularly devastating, highlighting the unquantifiable effects of war on the human psyche. Through these narratives, Van Laerhoven transports readers to the shattered worlds of -war-torn individuals, offering poignant glimpses into their lives and struggles.
The author takes a unique approach to representing human nature, weaving tales that feature a diverse cast of characters, including aliens, painters, friends, enemies, and exploring themes of betrayal, loyalty, greed, love, and revenge. This eclectic mix adds depth and variety to the collection, ensuring that each story is distinct and memorable. Van Laerhoven's writing style is reminiscent of the macabre and powerful prose of Roald Dahl. His stories shock and captivate, blending mysticism with stark reality. Although fictional, these tales resonate with truths about the human condition. Not all stories are set on battlefields, but the sense of war—whether physical or psychological—permeates the collection. The settings range from the war-torn Middle East to World War II and Nazi Germany, bridging past and present to create relevant and relatable narratives. I finished the book with immense respect for the author’s raw and heartbreaking portrayals of reality. The non-war stories are equally compelling, showcasing Van Laerhoven's versatility and skill in crafting riveting tales.
Fans of Roald Dahl or Edgar Allan Poe will appreciate the beautifully crafted stories in Scars of The Heart. For those who enjoy well-constructed plots and complex characters, this collection is a must-read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can endure the psychological turmoil and pain depicted, as it offers profound insights into the atrocities and resilience of life.
Book Reviewer – five stars -, Instagram - Goodreads
To dip into the work of Bob van Laerhoven is always a journey into darkness, and these stories are amongst the darkest of his works that I have read. Immensely varied, in tone and style and setting and story, and yet.... behind all of the lurk the betrayal which I think of as this author’s signature theme. In every story he finds the humanity of his characters – even the terrorist murderer, his body and brain addled by steroids, his heart twisted by an ideology of hatred, leaps off the page as a flesh and blood human being. There is nothing inhuman here, he is not that sort of writer, but the humanity that he finds is a resolutely chilling.He writes beautifully, observes with clear eyes, suspends judgement, and in all these stories there are moments of tenderness, selflessness, love even. One senses often that he is groping, towards some sense of his characters – or himself perhaps - as redeemed, redeemable. Sometimes one even imagines that he is searching as he writes for a happier ending. Yet in the end he allows neither himself nor his reader any comfort. Every relationship shatters into betrayal. A man and his brother. An ugly child and her befriender. Lovers. Parents and children. Comrades in war. Even a man and his dog. Even – and this is the silent message that screams from all of these stories – even me. Even you. Do not approach these stories if you are suffering and want to be comforted because he will not give you this. But he will not tell you to look down into the darkness. He will tell you to look across the abyss at all the human creatures who stand around it, on the edge. Look, he will tell you: here we all are. There isn’t any comfort here, but at least you aren’t alone.
Carly Rheilan – five stars – Goodreads
Scars of the Heart is a collection of powerful and thought-provoking short stories. I found that with all of these stories, the writing was engaging, but very blunt and to the point.(…) The writing also had a very ambiguous quality that I appreciated, and as a result, I experienced the feeling there was something I didn't fully understand. That acted as a motivation to keep reading, as I wanted to see the bigger picture.These stories deal with some dark themes regarding human nature and relationships. For example, I found that loneliness was a recurring theme. I think these stories speak to the fact that we all fight our own battles, and no one else truly knows what it is to fight those battles.
Kelly – Goodreads – four stars
...This memorable collection of short stories is exceptionally dark, with a wide range of themes, but pain, grief, betrayal, loneliness are always there. It is set in various locations around the modern world. The stories primarily focus on war and betrayal, highlighting the harsh realities of these experiences and the bleak psychological damage that they do. One standout story revolves around a gypsy woman in a German WW2 prison camp and her encounters with a needy and unattractive little German girl; another explores the relationship between a man and his adopted brother, uncovering a dark history of racism cruelty colonialism and bitter family secrets. Additionally, there is a poignant tale featuring a damaged young girl who has been a child soldier. These stories challenge the notion of innocence.(…) The writing of all the stories(….), is truly remarkable in its narrative force and its depiction of the dark underbelly of human psychology....'
Isobel Blackthorn – five stars -Goodreads - Instagram
Bob Van Laerhoven writes a magnificent collection of short stories with Scars of the Heart. In Scars of the Heart, there are ten stories, that show how darkness can cast a shadow on love, and how it can interfere with life, and cause effects such as violence, loneliness and greed. I am a big fan of Bob van Laerhoven and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Each story in itself tells a remarkable tale, bringing intrigue and sharing the dark side of humanity, and what it can do to a person. These stories were definitely attention grabbers, so much I couldn't put it down. Each one is intriguing, and very unpredictable. Each story had a gripping and incredible storyline, and whatever this author writes, I want to read, more than once. Scars of the Heart is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews- five stars – Goodreads- Instagram
..This is an anthology of disturbing stories(…)No one in these stories is innocent - even, shockingly, the children. All the characters are all unique, unfamiliar - characters that we have not met before and are troubled when we do. A chif these stories make you catch your breath. Don't try to read them all at once. You probably aren't strong enough for that, and if you are, who is it that you see when you look in the mirror... ?...'
Critical D – Five Stars -Goodreads -Instagram
Bob Van Laerhoven knows how to take an around the world trip through different countries right into the dark and damaged hearts and minds of the people who live within those countries. (…)Van Laerhoven does what he does best: peer into the tormented minds and heavy hearts of people in different interesting locations. It is less an around the world trip than it is an “around the human psyche” trip.
Julie Porter – four stars – Goodreads- Instagram
(…)Overall, this was a fantastic collection of short stories. I appreciated that the theme was war. War affects your heart whether you are actively on the front lines or have your trauma inherited from family who has dealt with war. I think this is Bob’s strongest collection to date. I highly recommend it.
Lacey White – four stars – Goodreads – Instagram
(…)a collection of ten short stories that pulled me through an immense violent landscape of character minds. An open-mind and critical readership is required to navigate these stories. My first reading of this collection left me with many questions and the intended direction of the pieces. Contextualization of these stories of war, choices and actions during conflict, specifically, the treatment of women amongst warzones, was realized in accessing the author’s wider dialogue within the literary community. This collection is not for the faint of heart, but, this collection is intended for readers to activate heart and grasp the scope of a wider lens of introspection and membership of humanity.(…) War and conflict topically connect each story, forcing the reader to confront disturbing realities and the extent of what humanity has witnessed of what humans are capable of doing. An underlying theme stemming from depicting war and conflict is the individual capacity of coping with pain and trauma that remains once the wounds heal. In the crux of this chaotic vortex of violence, pain and conflict, characters seek out the hard edges of identity. My understanding, after reflecting on the collection and carrying out secondary research is a deeper message that love remains, a root and seed existing, despite imperfectly. “A man and a woman can be evil by nature yet still believe in a love imbued with trust and chivalry. It works out that way more often than you’d think. It’s a law of nature that villainy longs for purity.” Love and coping tries to break through from ego. (….)The compelling nature I discovered in encountering this collection of stories and learning more about the author is the way encountering atrocity shaped van Laerhoven as a writer and human in grappling with the polemic of his work. (….)The depiction of violence and sexual assault serve to push the reader into walking a road of authenticity with the author, further, that he has listened to women who have been victims of war and he is conveying their voice in a way that they cannot.(…) You will navigate reality with this writing. We are forced to face ourselves with this collection and it is not an easy read. I want to believe these are cautionary tales, but you cannot let yourself fall into passive reading or distance with these stories; these moments are the reality of humanity, hopefully one we can help give testimony to and make better for future generations. Can we let literature be that powerful?
Sara Hailstone – four stars -Goodreads – Instagram
“Scars Of The Heart” by Bob Van Laerhoven is an unusual collection of short stories.
Why do I consider them so unusual?Because they are so dark, with so few redeeming features, that the stories make for uncomfortable reading.I’m not saying the stories are bad. In fact, overall, they are very good. It’s just that if you are looking for something uplifting and cheerful to read, you won’t find it here.But if you like dark stories with heavy psychological undertones, then this may be just the book for you. (…)Death and sexual assault are never far away, though the main thrust of the stories is the psychological impact of violence on the characters.
Did I enjoy the book? Well, enjoyment may not be the right word, but I read it from cover to cover and never considered putting it to one side. (…)But, bleak as it may sound, this collection does absorb the reader into the author’s dark view of the world. I would hesitate to use the word “entertaining” about such dark subject matter, but it was certainly engaging at a very emotional level.
Robert Cubitt – four stars – Goodreads –Instagram
Mr Bob Van Laerhoven is just an exceptional and excellent writer who excels in writing the brutal truth which most of us don't want to speak about. He shows us the mirror of the cruel world we live in and does not sugarcoat anything. (….)I would definitely suggest this book to those who are interested in reading the brutal history and reality of life.
Fatima – five stars – Goodreads - Instagram
A series of thoughtfully composed, finely crafted, dark stories. What I found really impressed me was the variety of structures and styles through which the author approached his stories. Each tale was uniquely different. Each was a surprise and a dark delight. You never knew what form it would take or how the the narrative would be presented. This kept you reading, demanding another story and relishing its originality and unexpected format. An imaginative, original and highly recommended collection by a gifted author.
Barry Litherland – five stars – Goodreads- Instagram
On the occasion of the release of the story collection “Scars Of The Heart,” the website “Literary Titan” interviewed me. You can find the interview on https://wp.me/p3cyvH-rIH
