"Geerten Basse" by Lode Monteyne is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds against the bleak backdrop of a cold November day in a dilapidated city where the protagonist, Geerten Basse, struggles with his meager existence as a rowing boat operator on the Scheldt River. As the story begins, themes of yearning for a better life emerge, centered on Geerten's desire to own a motorboat, which symbolizes
his ambitions and frustrations. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Geerten as he navigates his daily routine, interacting with fellow boat operators and grappling with a harsh reality of poverty and resentment towards the mechanization that threatens their livelihoods. The opening scenes vividly portray the desolate environment and Geerten's relationships with his peers, particularly highlighting his worries about his future amid harsh weather conditions. The dynamic between Geerten, his friends, and his unfaithful love interest, Lowis, establishes a complex web of emotions, revealing underlying currents of jealousy and ambition that will likely shape his journey throughout the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
