Stefan Hertmans
(Belgium, 1951) is a writer of poetry, novels, essays, plays, and short stories. He debuted in 1981 and has more than thirty books to his name, including prize-winning titles like the poetry collection Muziek voor de overtocht (Music for the Crossing, 1995) and the novels Gestolde wolken (Solidified Clouds, 1988) and Naar Merelbeke (To Merelbeke, 1994). His international breakthrough, the family saga Oorlog en terpentijn (War and Turpentine, 2013), sold over 250,000 copies and was published in 24 languages. The book is based on some writings that Hertmans received from his grandfather. The reconstruction of the story begins in about 1900 in a working-class Ghent neighbourhood and gets an unexpected twist during the Great War. Hertmans taught at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and has delivered lectures at universities around the world. He was awarded the Constantijn Huijgens Prize 2019 for his body of work.
Past events
At the Home Front
Ian Buruma wrote Year Zero: A History of 1945, about the aftermath of WWII. Stefan Hertman's War and Turpentine describes World War I through the eyes of his grandfather. Both authors used the experiences of a family member as motivation to delve into world history. Louise O. Fresco starts off the program with a commentary.
Poets in the House
A festive conclusion with poetic presentations. With improvisations on cello by Ernst Reijseger.
