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.
Adriaan van Dis chose Character (Karakter), the famous 1938 novel by F. Bordewijk, as his favourite book. The story is set in Rotterdam in the years following the First World War. Its protagonist is Jacob, the illegitimate son of bailiff Dreverhaven and his housekeeper, Jacoba Katadreuffe. Jacob grows up in poverty but eventually becomes a successful lawyer. His father constantly tries to thwart his ambitions. The book has been adapted for film several times. The 1997 adaptation by Mike van Diem won both an Academy Award and a Golden Calf.
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.
10 November 2026
In this Dutch spoken episode, Lize Spit talks about Oersoep by Bregje Hofstede, a 2023 book described as autofiction. Hofstede offers readers a lyrical reading experience that sometimes feels more like a trip than a novel.
29 October 2026
With Jeanette Winterson, Paul Murray, Maaza Mengiste, Claudia Rankine, Iraida Martha Ooft and more!
27 October 2026
In this Dutch spoken episode, Hanna Bervoets chose Giovanni's Room, the 1956 novel by James Baldwin.
