And then came those last 20 pages
Jaap Robben's latest novel, 'De laatste namen van Łukasz', explores the life of a Polish migrant, Łukasz, through the eyes of his daughter and neighbor. The narrative unfolds like a detective story, revealing the struggles of labor migrants and the challenges of communication across languages. The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Lida, highlights the often-overlooked humanity of migrants. The book culminates in a poignant conclusion that gives Łukasz a name, face, and emotional backstory, emphasizing the complexities of migration. Robben's skillful use of language enhances the reader's experience of the characters' struggles.