Highlighted by the Dutch Foundation for Literature
Three years ago, Otis lost his twin brother Ben in a tragic accident at their family’s holiday home. Otis refuses to think about it and insists he remembers nothing. Nothing at all – about the accident, or even his twin brother.
When the family visits the holiday home during the autumn break for the first time since Ben’s death, it becomes increasingly difficult for Otis to hide behind his memory loss. To make matters worse, a mysterious girl named Venne starts following him. She turns out to have been his brother’s girlfriend. Otis is shocked to realise that Venne has no idea Ben is dead – in fact, she seems to think he is Ben! Should he tell her the bad news? The truth is, he would rather let her keep believing it…
‘With care yet precision, and in a tone that is sensitive without ever slipping into sentimentality, Robert van Dijk guides you to the poignant conclusion. Mum no longer sets the table for four, and Dad openly shows his emotions: ‘He cried silent tears’. As a reader, you too will struggle to keep a dry eye.’ – Trouw
‘Van Dijk depicts the emotions in a relatable and believable manner, without letting the story become heavy or preachy. By showing how differently each character deals with their loss, he demonstrates that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.’ – ★★★★ boekenkrant.com
‘A tour de force.’ – tzum.info
