The Twin
Encyclopedia
The Twin is a novel by Dutch
writer Gerbrand Bakker
. It won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
in 2010, making Bakker the first Dutch writer to win the award, the world's most expensive individual literary award, with a €100,000 prize. Boven is het stil was published in 2006 and The Twin followed in 2008. The novel was translated from Dutch by David Colmer.
when he first thought up the book. He thought about a son who might "do something terrible to his father" but was left "frustrated" when the idea failed to progress any further until one day he began to write at random.
, The Hague
, Utrecht
and Eindhoven libraries all nominated The Twin for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and the book was declared the winner at the Mansion House
in Dublin on 17 June 2010. It defeated 155 titles from more than 40 countries to achieve the award. Lord Mayor of Dublin
Emer Costello
said Bakker was one of the many "eminent novelists to win this award" and said "this beautifully written Dutch novel will come to the attention of readers worldwide, who might otherwise never have come across it". Bakker, instead of giving a speech, played a tape recording of "Waar is de zon?", the Dutch entry in Eurovision Song Contest 1994
(which also occurred in Dublin).
J. M. Coetzee describes The Twin as "a novel of restrained tenderness and laconic humour".
Anne Fine
said the book "convinces from first page to last".
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
writer Gerbrand Bakker
Gerbrand Bakker (novelist)
Gerbrand Bakker is a Dutch writer. He won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2010 for the English translation of his novel, The Twin . He was the first Dutch writer to win this award, the world's most lucrative individual literary award, with a €100,000 prize...
. It won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award
The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award is an international literary award for a work of fiction, jointly sponsored by the city of Dublin, Ireland and the company IMPAC. At €100,000 it is one of the richest literary prizes in the world...
in 2010, making Bakker the first Dutch writer to win the award, the world's most expensive individual literary award, with a €100,000 prize. Boven is het stil was published in 2006 and The Twin followed in 2008. The novel was translated from Dutch by David Colmer.
Background
In 2002 Bakker was hiking through mountains while on holiday in CorsicaCorsica
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the island of Sardinia....
when he first thought up the book. He thought about a son who might "do something terrible to his father" but was left "frustrated" when the idea failed to progress any further until one day he began to write at random.
Plot
The novel follows the plight of Helmer, who resides on a Dutch farm with his father. His twin dies accidentally and Helmer encounters his girlfriend.Critical reception
AmsterdamAmsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
, The Hague
The Hague
The Hague is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. With a population of 500,000 inhabitants , it is the third largest city of the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam...
, Utrecht
Utrecht (city)
Utrecht city and municipality is the capital and most populous city of the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is located in the eastern corner of the Randstad conurbation, and is the fourth largest city of the Netherlands with a population of 312,634 on 1 Jan 2011.Utrecht's ancient city centre features...
and Eindhoven libraries all nominated The Twin for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and the book was declared the winner at the Mansion House
Mansion House, Dublin
The Mansion House on Dawson Street, Dublin, is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin since 1715.-Features:The Mansion House's most famous features include the "Round Room", where the First Dáil assembled on 21 January 1919 to proclaim the Irish Declaration of Independence...
in Dublin on 17 June 2010. It defeated 155 titles from more than 40 countries to achieve the award. Lord Mayor of Dublin
Lord Mayor of Dublin
The Lord Mayor of Dublin is the honorific title of the Chairman of Dublin City Council which is the local government body for the city of Dublin, the capital of Ireland. The incumbent is Labour Party Councillor Andrew Montague. The office holder is elected annually by the members of the...
Emer Costello
Emer Costello
Emer Costello is an Irish Labour Party politician and member of Dublin City Council. She was Lord Mayor of Dublin from 2009–10.A native of County Louth she has a B.A. and a H.Dip...
said Bakker was one of the many "eminent novelists to win this award" and said "this beautifully written Dutch novel will come to the attention of readers worldwide, who might otherwise never have come across it". Bakker, instead of giving a speech, played a tape recording of "Waar is de zon?", the Dutch entry in Eurovision Song Contest 1994
Eurovision Song Contest 1994
The Eurovision Song Contest 1994 was the 39th Eurovision Song Contest and was held on 30 April 1994 in the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland. The presenters were Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Gerry Ryan. The pair hosted the evening in French, English and Irish...
(which also occurred in Dublin).
J. M. Coetzee describes The Twin as "a novel of restrained tenderness and laconic humour".
Anne Fine
Anne Fine
Anne Fine, OBE FRSL is a British author best known for her children's books, of which she has written more than 50. She also writes for adults...
said the book "convinces from first page to last".
External links
- "The story of a man who never got to live" - The Irish TimesThe Irish TimesThe Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays...