Joanna Werners

(Paramaribo, 1953) came from Surinam to the Netherlands when she was eighteen years old. She studied physical education and law and is a economics lecturer. In 1987 she made her debut with the autobiographical novel Droomhuid (Dream skin), introducing the subject of female homosexuality for the first time in Surinam's literature. In her following novels other cultural differences between the Netherlands and Surinam were touched upon, for instance the handling of unwanted pregnancy and old age. In 2002 her fifth novel appeared entitled Schaamteloze warmte (Shameless warmth).
WIN2005