Book of my Life: Simon(e) van Saarloos about Freshwater (2018) by Akwaeke Emezi

15 September 2026 Podcast

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Listen to the Book of My Life podcast, where writers share the book that has inspired or moved them—the book that has shaped their artistic, moral, or intellectual compass. In short, the book they recommend to everyone. This podcast is a re-publication of the live program, part of the annual Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival The Hague.

In this episode, Simon(e) van Saarloos chose Freshwater (2018), the debut novel by Nigerian writer Akwaeke Emezi, as their favourite book. The novel tells the semi-autobiographical story of its protagonist, known to the reader as ‘The Ada’. The main narrative voice belongs to the ogbanje, deities from the Igbo religion who reside within The Ada and manifest themselves as several distinct personalities, which can be both helpful and hostile.

This podcast is a re-release of a live programme from the annual Writers Unlimited International Literature Festival in The Hague. Listen to the podcast here or on your favourite podcast platform.

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