The Book Ball
It is the most talked-about party in the Netherlands. Impossible to get in, always good for a scandal. And this year was no exception: the Boekenbal. Who was there, what happened, and what was everyone wearing?
The most sensational incident was of course Freek de Jonge who started shouting during the silence that new CPNB director Eveline Aendekerk observed for the victims of the attack in Utrecht. Freek asked for attention for Thierry Baudet's speech, but what it was really about was most likely attention for himself. You can have a lot of opinions about this, but I am grateful that we had a good old-fashioned scandal at the Ball again. Since Beau van Erven Dorens got into a fight in 2004 over a confiscated bottle of wine, not much noteworthy has happened. And the fact that coke is being snorted in the toilets and infidelity is happening on the dark chairs (all true) may not be that exciting anymore. For someone who is not familiar with the book world, the Boekenbal is not much more than a crowd of poorly dressed people dancing a bit too exuberantly to mediocre music.
What was there to do?
There was a silent disco, a lounge area with bean bags and marshmallows, the music in the main hall was very danceable for a change, and as a big surprise, Merol performed at 1:00 AM. She opened by pulling down her panties and shouting, ‘Jan Siebelink, where are you?’ Brilliant. Furthermore, the Boekenbal mainly consists of walking through the halls and telling everyone that you are doing great. Esther Verhoef, who is number 1 on the bestseller list with her new book ‘Façade’, was the absolute queen, a bit enviously watched by Peter Buwalda who is in second place with his ‘Otmars zonen’. I also saw Michel Houellebecq walking around with his almost underage girlfriend in a leather harness. Previously Amayzer Jet van Nieuwkerk - and I believe also Liesbeth Rasker - were looking fabulous. Kluun made some confessions that I am not allowed to talk about. Someone had spat gum on the dance floor (can I send you the bill for my shoes, asshole?) and I know from a reliable source that sexual acts took place on the smoking balcony.
Then: what were we wearing?
I personally had not been there for the last two years due to long-planned vacations, but I noticed that in terms of clothing, which was already not at a high level, there had been a free fall downwards. Previously, a tuxedo for men was the norm and a festive dress for women, this year it was crying shame. I spotted light blue shirts, faded summer dresses, and even seven pairs of jeans. Fortunately, I was there to raise the overall level, as I wore a fabulous dress from the Spanish brand Etxart & Panno. I know this sounds immodest, but considering I am quite of age and specifically lost two kilos, I think I can just be proud. Another positive example was the woman of the moment who responded to Freek and thus became the heroine of the Ball, Eveline Aendekerk. She wore a bright pink tuxedo with a black strapless top underneath. Also beautiful: Connie Palmen in cobalt blue and Jessica Durlacher in a lovely black evening gown. Shall we please reintroduce a dress code next year?
