The old shipbuilder Clovis Loos hears about a new Dutch military mission on the radio. His son Richter is with the marines and is being send to Iraq. Clovis has fought in WOII and the news hits him like a hammer. During his fighting days his life was saved by another soldier who jumped in front of a bullet that Clovis knew was intended for him.

And he remembers that his father Jacques, who owned the shipyards, was spared from battle by a payed for stand-in who took his place in the army. Wealthy citizens could buy someone to search for an unfortunate soul to serve in the army for their children. The man searching for these stand-in soldiers was called a soul hound. The old Clovis decides to become a soul hound for his son and he goes hunting. His searches bring him alongside the edges of the city. Eventually he thinks to have found the ideal person in a Slovenian foreigner.

How do you view the images of the war on terror when you have fought in war yourself? And what if your only son and support is preparing for battle in Iraq? What does that do to a father? This is an impressive novel about the love of a father, de power of images, passion for war, three generations of ships builders and the question if you can trade fates.

‘Lia Tilon tells her story in an associative manner. By the wondrous quest of the ancient Clovis she interweaves many other stories. A fascinating story for which Tilon has thoroughly studied the historical facts.’ – Noordhollands Dagblad

‘Soul Hound will leave no one untouched.’ – Leestafel