Jaap Robben’s compassionate coming-of-age tale is a tender account of brotherly love in a dysfunctional family setting. Translated by David Doherty.

Thirteen-year-old Brian lives in a trailer on a forgotten patch of land with his uncaring father. His older brother Lucien, physically and mentally disabled, has been institutionalised for years. Lucien is sent back to live with his family for the summer. Their disinterested father leaves Brian to care for Lucien’s special needs. But how do you look after someone when you don’t know what they need? How do you make the right choices when you still have so much to discover?

Longlisted
The 2021 International Booker Prize
Published by
World Editions
Publication date
Jaap Robben

Jaap Robben

About the Author

Jaap Robben is a poet, playwright, performer and acclaimed children’s author.
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David Doherty

David Doherty

About the Translator

David Doherty studied English and literary linguistics in the UK before moving to the Netherlands, where he has been translating Dutch texts since 1996.
More about David Doherty