Here, we have the collected stories of the prolific Flemish writer Bob Van Laerhoven. Not since Ben Fountain's Brief Encounters with Che Guevara have I read a book with such astute, international, profound, and entertaining short stories. Comparisons to Robert Stone would also not be out of place.

Scars of the Heart hopscotches from Europe to Africa to South America to the Balkans effortlessly. The violence and sex are constant yet never gratuitous. There are heists, misadventures, genocides, retributions, gallows humor—the reader will never be bored. While the narratives are all headlong, his sentences are to be savored.

These stories all feel LIVED. Van Laerhoven is an expert at light-touch exposition, careful not to confuse the reader, though the work is anything but simplistic or cliched. While recovering from his drinking and drug demons, Denis Johnson famously spent time persuading magazine editors to send him to places like Liberia and The Balkans—he craved the adrenaline of intense situations (e.g. teaching poetry to maximum security inmates). This is not uncommon with ex-addicts like Johnson, combat veterans, and war correspondents. Van Laerhoven's stories very much remind me of Johnson's early essays; they have the whiff of authenticity in even some of the more outlandish yarns, of which there are, thankfully, several. I count this book as one of my most treasured literary discoveries and feel actual anxiety to think that, had circumstances been different, I might never have been lucky enough to stumble across the short fiction of Bob Van Laerhoven.

A five-star review of “Scars Of The Heart ” by multi-award-winning American short story writer and scenarist Robert Morgan Fisher - Amazon - Goodreads.

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

(…)The title is a good indication of what we find inside. All the main characters are scarred, some physically as well, but all of them wear scars deep in their souls. We have reporters and writers, terrorists, victims (and perpetrators) of war, artists… Some of the stories are contemporary and others are set in WWII and other past wars, and in a variety of locations (several war zones, India, Belgium, London, Germany…).

We find stories about revenge, ghosts from the past, trauma in different forms, identity crises, lust and adultery, sexual abuse, violence, rape and murder, guilt, justice, morality, and everything in between. I can’t think of a warning that would not apply to this novel, so possible readers need to think deeply and hard if it is safe for them to approach this literary work. (…) Van Laerhoven likes to challenge his readers, and his stories make them face some ugly truths. His writing is impressive in its breadth, style, impact, and despite the subjects he chooses, it is often beautiful.

I won’t try to choose between the stories or describe them in detail. That is up to its future readers to discover. And I won’t recommend this collection to everybody, because it is not that kind of book. But those who love writing that dares to dig deeper and are unlikely to be adversely affected by the subjects the stories cover, should give it a go. These stories will make them think and will stay with them for a very long time.

OlgaNM – Amazon -Goodreads