Slecht zicht (1986) is a novella belonging to the later work of the Dutch author Alfred Kossmann. The story opens with the coy story told by Aunt Sophie about picking up a coin from the floor, while watching herself in the mirror. This story leads to a discussion about misinterpretation and the question whether one can really see one-self. This theme is spun further throughout the novella.

In Slecht zicht all characters are pre-occupied with their own identity, i.e. how they see themselves, but in the present and in the past, and how others see them. They are all advanced in years, Alexander Kievoet is middle-aged, like his ex-wife, Alice, while his aunt Sophie is much older. Old Mr Theo Kievoet cannot speak; only his thoughts are articulated. All characters have their best time behind them, but their glorious past still dominates the way they see themselves, except Alexander, who is mostly depressed, and unable to see himself, which is mirrored by the omniscient narrator's ability to create an image of this character, often asking the reader whether suggested features are imaginable. After his father's death, Alexander goes to Greece. There he meets a photographer whom he has known from a previous period in his life, Dirk Bovendracht. Dirk sees Alexander largely with the admiration he had for him, 15 years ago. In Greece, Alexander falls ill, and dies.

Recurrent themes in the later work of Alfred Kossmann are alcoholism, and the inability of characters to fully realize themselves to former glory. Instead, characters are frozen in a state of impotence and depression. ( )