23 March 2011
Do you want foolproof evidence?

The past week brought nothing but misery; still, there was marvellous news from the Middle East. Apparently some 2000-year-old codices have been discovered in a Jordanian cave. The texts are supposed to mention the Messiah and the Resurrection. Most scholars are cautious; before you know it, your reputation is in shreds. Find out more


16 March 2011
Looking for Kimiko

My Japanese earthquake was called Kimiko and happened 25 years ago. All of a sudden, dressed in a kimono, she appeared on my parents’ doorstep. Find out more


7 March 2011
A Statue in Budapest

I have never won a prize, not even a literary prize. This week I caught myself in the act of practising a Colin Firth in front of a mirror. ‘I am the bald Colin Firth,’ I said and moved my voice down a register. ‘This is my acceptance speech.’ Luckily I didn’t have an audience. Find out more

4 March 2011
Why do you write?

A new story by bestselling Dutch author Herman Koch in English and Dutch

‘There are two kinds of writers,’ the author had replied. ‘One attempts a new approach with each book. The other keeps rewriting the same novel.’
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23 March 2011
Complete List of Columns including March

All columns published since 1 October 2009 Find out more


28 February 2011
A World of Difference

Things expressed in English sound more dramatic than in Dutch. This is caused by the greater use of intonation and word stress within a typical English sentence compared to the Dutch. When speaking English the Dutch feel they are overdoing it, as if they are taking part in a play. Find out more