An online reading group about books by Trinus Riemersma will start at the end of January 2021. Riemersma (1938-2011) is one of the most important Frisian writers after 1945. He made his debut in 1964 with the novel Fabryk, which caused great turmoil in the Frisian literary world and resulted in opposite reactions. In 1967 he received Fabryk’s highest literary award from Fryslân, the Gysbert Japicxpriis.
In his work, Riemersma regularly plays with perspectives; in his multi-layered novels he proves his strong compositional ability. He also has a special satirical talent and a refreshing sense of humor. He has slowly been able to develop his strong, sober style into a multi-sided instrument. He knows how to concretize the theme in an original way, as in De Reade Bwarre, in which he locates the human spirit in the nuts of a hangover.
In the (Frisian spoken) reading group we discuss a book once a month, starting with Fabryk and the last book is De acht foar achten trein. It concerns things like theme and style, but also the question why a book appeals to you or not. The evenings are led by Doeke Sijens, Babs Gezelle Meerburg (NHL Stenden) and Meindert Reitsma (Tresoar). Doeke Sijens is working on a biography about Riemersma and Babs Gezelle Meerburg has obtained her PhD from Fabryk as an ‘innovative’ novel.
Practical information
Dates and titles:
January 27: Fabryk (1964)
February 17: Minskrotten-rotminsken (1966)
March 17: De hite simmer (1968)
April 21: De mon sûnder gesicht (1973)
May 19: Nei de klap (1999)
June 9: De acht foar achten trein (2009)
Time: 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
The evenings are held online, via a video connection (Teams). Participants receive an explanation of how the connection works. Anyone can participate. Of course it is necessary to read the books. There are no costs involved.
You can register by e-mail for one, a few or all evenings. Registration for all evenings or (only) the first evening, please before 20 January. Please register for another evening at least one week in advance.
