literature

Eight Dutch Writers for the First Time in English Translation

Eight leading young Dutch authors appear for the first time in English translation with the chapbook series Verzet (Resistance) at Strangers Press publishers in Norwich. The eight short stories and essays have been translated by a new generation of literary translators, as part of the New Dutch Writing
campaign.

Verzet is a collection of chapbooks, showcasing the work of Karin Amatmoekrim, Sanneke van Hassel, Bregje Hofstede, Jamal Ouariachi, Nina Polak, Gustaaf Peek, Thomas Heerma van Voss and Maartje Wortel. Each chapbook has a length of 10,000 words, about 30 to 40 pages. Peek and Hofstede are each represented with a long essay. The short stories of Karin Amatmoekrim and Nina Polak have not yet been published in Dutch.

The stories and essays have been translated by a new generation of literary translators, including Alice Tetley-Paul, Jozef Van der Voort and Moshe Gilula. Experienced translators, such as David Colmer, Michele Hutchison, Sam Garrett, Laura Watkinson and David McKay, assisted in the translation process.

Verzet is a collection of chapbooks, showcasing the work of Karin Amatmoekrim, Sanneke van Hassel, Bregje Hofstede, Jamal Ouariachi, Nina Polak, Gustaaf Peek, Thomas Heerma van Voss and Maartje Wortel. Each chapbook has a length of 10,000 words, about 30 to 40 pages. Peek and Hofstede are each represented with a long essay. The short stories of Karin Amatmoekrim and Nina Polak have not yet been published in Dutch.

The stories and essays have been translated by a new generation of literary translators, including Alice Tetley-Paul, Jozef Van der Voort and Moshe Gilula. Experienced translators, such as David Colmer, Michele Hutchison, Sam Garrett, Laura Watkinson and David McKay, assisted in the translation process.

The full list of titles is as follows:

Reconstruction by Karin Amatmoekrim, translated by Sarah Timmer-Harvey

Five subtly wrought stories from Amatmoekrim displaying her thrilling range, from the speculative to the fiercely political, praised for not ‘giving a damn about literary conventions’ (De Groene Amsterdammer).

Shelter by Sanneke van Hassel, translated by Danny Guinan

Three stories focused on the search for home in a fragmented society. ‘Van Hassel writes simultaneously with compassion and ruthlessness. Painful stuff that makes you want more’ (Cobra)

Bergje by Bregje Hofstede, translated by Alice Tetley-Paul

An autobiographical account of a young woman’s voyage of rediscovery into the mountains she visited as a child. An English language debut from the correspondent for New Feminism at De Correspondent. ‘Hofstede has the ability to let language do the work’ (De Groene Amsterdammer)

The Tourist Butcher by Jamal Ouariachi, translated by Scott Emblen-Jarrett

Two stories taken from Ouariachi’s highly successful Dutch collection ‘The most beautiful pages we have read in years’ (De Morgen)

The Dandy by Nina Polak, translated by Emma Rault

A delightful selection of acerbic, wryly funny stories about modern relationships, queer love, and non-monogamy. ‘Sparklingly written with a natural suppleness and humour’ (Trouw)

Resist! In Defence of Communism by Gustaaf Peek, translated by Brendan Monaghan

Freshly relevant in light of recent global upheavals, and keenly aware of a sense of fresh possibility in the air, there is plenty of food for thought here for the reader concerned about how we might begin to take our first reforming steps. ‘Peek is a great writer’ (TROS News Show)

Thank You For Being With Us by Thomas Heerma van Voss, translated by Moshe Gilula

Two beautiful short stories featuring compelling characters which draw the reader entertainingly into their simultaneously hilarious and heart-breaking lives. NRC Handelsblad and De Volkskrant have proclaimed him one of the Netherlands’ greatest literary talents.

Something Has To Happen by Maartje Wortel, translated by Jozef van der Voort

Across three wonderfully written stories, Maartje Wortel plays ingenious games with her readers, conducted in her enjoyably spare and minimalist prose. ‘Unmasking power. Seductive language. Strange. No short story writer is as good as Maartje Wortel today’ (HUMO)

Online event

The chapbooks are published by Strangers Press, Norwich.

Off the Shelf festival in Sheffield will host a special online event on 13 October with writers Sanneke van Hassel and Jamal Ouariachi and translators Emma Rault and Alice Tetley-Paul.

• New Dutch Writing