Martijn Knol
(Zeist, NL, 1973) was a comedian and worked in advertising before writing his 2003 debut De Duiker (The Diver), which recreates a striking portrait of an era through the distinctive speech of three students. The romantic tragedy Aphinar followed in 2007, in which Knol alternates between angry interior monologues and a sensual and tarnished love story. His major novel Alles kan kapot (Everything Kaputt) was published in 2011, about the fates of three generations of a family. The book owes a literary debt to Céline, Woolf, and David Foster Wallace (among others), but above all it shows off an authentic and innovative voice. Anything is possible in Knol's work. The dead can rise from their ashes and demand to regain their position in a book. Knol also likes to play with language and style. The Dutch Literary Fund chose Alles kan kapot as one of the best Dutch books of 2011. Besides novels, Knol writes short stories, essays, blogs, and criticism, and is an editor with the literary magazine Tirade. He's currently at work on a new novel.
Past events
We're Not Holding Our Breath for a Good Book
Two passionate readers. In which novels do they feel at home, and in which ones would they absolutely not want to live? A playful and personal exchange.
Poets in the House
A festive conclusion with poetic presentations. With improvisations on cello by Ernst Reijseger.
Tirade about someone called Walter van den Berg
By Walter van den Berg. In Dutch.
Tirade against ready-to-eat chunks of literature
By Martijn Knol. In Dutch.
Tirade to dispel loneliness
By Lieke Marsman. In Dutch.
Wanna Know a Secret?
A new generation of authors: Tahmina Akefi (NL/Afghanistan), Özcan Akyol (NL/Turkey), Daad Kajo (NL/Syria), Martijn Knol, Richard de Nooy (NL/South Africa), Carolina Trujillo (NL/Uruguay) and Joost de Vries read mysterious passages from their recent books. Hosted by Andrew Makkinga (NL/Uganda). In Dutch.
Wintercafe 3: VPRO De Avonden Live
In the second hour of De Avonden VPRO continues its search for Utopia. With Tim Parks, David Mitchell, Hagar Peeters, Martijn Knol and motivational speaker and spoken word artist Omékongo Dibinga. Hosts: Jeroen van Kan and Catherine van Campen. Dutch and English spoken.
Wintercafé 4: Late Night Utopia
Jeroen van Kan talks to Marja Pruis about her collected essays on literature. The Congolese/American spoken word artist Omékongo Dibinga enters into a poetic battle with Martijn Knol and Hagar Peeters on the feasibility of a better world. In Dutch and English.
