10 books for under the tree or on the couch
A wish list without a good book is like pie that doesn't come from Limburg, Zeeland without bolussen, and not bringing sugar bread from Friesland. As a girl who used to borrow six books a week from the library (no joke) and who took an e-reader this vacation out of necessity because I was going for more than two weeks and it didn't fit in the suitcase, you owe me a book list this month. To curl up with on the couch or to place wrapped under the tree.
1. Black Barn – Oek de Jong
If one book received raving reviews in 2019, it was Black Barn by Oek de Jong. The book revolves around Maris Coppoolse, who finds himself in the deepest valley of his fame due to the past.
2. Me, Elton John
We saw the movie, now we read the book. Elton tells about his life, from rejection and addiction to sobering up and finding his great love. A great man, a great book.
3. Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A brilliant novel written by a brilliant writer. The story of Ifemelu and Obinze tells the love of two young people that is violently disrupted by a military dictatorship. One departs for America, the other for London, and both encounter situations they never thought they would find themselves in.
4. The Party – Elizabeth Day
Perfect for snacking on during the weekend or between Christmas and New Year's Eve. You step into The Party at the heart of the British elite and upper class, where Martin and Ben have had an unusual friendship for twenty-five years. Until everything changes.
5. The Cazalet Chronicles
Are you into Downton Abbey? Then you can indulge yourself with the Cazalets. With five (!) books, you'll be sweet in post-war England. About the generations in a family filled with affairs, ambitions, and intrigues. Quite enjoyable.
6. Conversations with Friends – Sally Rooney
Just recently translated into Dutch, but it should have happened earlier. The Guardian considers it a promising debut for Rooney. The book revolves around the pleasures and burdens of 21-year-old Frances who studies in Dublin and becomes embroiled in a special relationship with a not-so-successful author and her husband.
7. Painter's Love – Simone van der Vlugt
We know Saskia, the great love of Rembrandt van Rijn, but do we actually know who Geertje Dircx is, the woman who was arrested and locked up in a spinning house in Gouda for twelve years? By order of the painter himself...
8. Grand Hotel Europe – Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer
Already out for a year, but when someone said this was the book that made the biggest impression on her this year, it came right back on top of the pile for me. A writer who takes up residence in Grand Hotel Europe and becomes increasingly involved with the illustrious residents of the hotel. Meanwhile, Pfeijffer sketches the enormous history of Europe, which leaves almost no room for the future.
9. Night Parents – Saskia de Coster
Saskia is called a promising writer, and if you ask Marion Pauw which book we should read and this is the first she mentions, then you know for sure. In Saskia's words: ‘This is my story, but I think it is also the story of every parent who has ever wavered.’
10. Running Loose – Laura van der Haar
Quitting your job, getting a dog and naming it Takkie, and roaming the city and countryside. It sounds like the book you want to read. ‘If only I had a little tail to channel my energy, to wag away all the restlessness and zest for life and nerves. Very small but, swishswishswish.’
1. Painter's Love, €20.99 Bol.com
2. Me, €24.99 Bol.com
3. Americanah, €15.99 Bol.com
4. The Cazalet Chronicles, €11.99 Bol.com
5. Conversations with Friends, €11,- Bol.com
6. Black Barn, €24.99 Bol.com
7. Grand Hotel Europe, €26.99 Bol.com
8. The Party, €22.99 Bol.com
9. Night Parents, €24.99 Bol.com
10. Running Loose, €19.99 Bol.com
