Het Jongetje

by Henri Borel

"Het Jongetje" by Henri Borel is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Paul, who is caught in the innocence of childhood as he navigates his feelings for a girl named Corrie, exploring themes of love, purity, and the stark contrasts between childhood and adulthood. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Paul, a delicate and somewhat awkward boy, who, despite wearing long trousers indicative of his growing up, is still very much a child at heart. He possesses a fascination with girls, particularly with Corrie, whom he finds enchanting and otherworldly. The opening describes his innocent and pure infatuation for Corrie, painting a picture of their childhood interactions, such as their playful encounters in the zoo and the tenderness of their budding relationship. Paul's world is filled with simple joys, from the beauty of nature to the complexity of his feelings—an emotional journey that sets the tone for the unfolding narrative.