The distinct voice of Hanna Bervoets

Dutch literature is sparked to life by young female writer Hanna Bervoets, whose third novel was recently published.

Dutch bookstores have been curiously drained of colour these past weeks. The reason? Their displays are filled with stacks of the latest novel of young Dutch writer and columnist Hanna Bervoets, Alles wat er was, its psychedelic black and white cover immediately catching your eye.

I quite enjoyed Bervoets's previous novels and though I wouldn't call myself a fan per se, I'd praise her distinct voice and obvious talent and ambition. As the line-up of the upcoming Das Magazin Festival proves (which features 30 writers, five of whom are female), Dutch literature is largely dominated by men. Some may be annoyed by Bervoets's overexposure. But I'd rather see one talented female writer in the spotlight than none at all.

As for the book itself, the feedback on Alles wat er was, a grim post-apocalyptic story, is mainly postive. The exception is this bitter review in Vrij Nederland (which also happens to contain quite a few spoilers). Fans of Bervoets might want to skip that one and check out the word on Twitter instead, where it reads:

Zarayda Groenhart: Mag k even aand8 vr t nwe boek vn @HannaBervoets? Sjezus, wat n meesterwerk! Sla vanavnd seks over om em uit te kunnen lezen #alleswaterwas

Vittorio Kempenaar: @HannaBervoets Heb vandaag je laatste boek, @AllesWatErWas in een ruk uitgelezen. Loved it. En niet te vergeten de "Achterflap". Nice pic!

Yeji Streppel: "Een ruzie als een Escherschilderij." Liefde voor deze zin. Dank, @HannaBervoets

Kramer & van Doorn: @HannaBervoets ""Alles wat er was" al gelezen ? Beslist doen anders ! Claustrofobisch spannend, confronterend en goed geschreven. #aanrader

More on Bervoets and Alles wat er was on the official Facebook page of the novel. I can also recommend following Bervoets on Twitter.