New Dutch Writing: Valentijn Hoogenkamp & Michele Hutchison

Time and date

Tuesday 15 July 2025

1:00 pm

Location

Bantry Library

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Antiboy by Dutch author Valentijn Hoogenkamp is a poignant exploration of identity and transformation as it chronicles Valentijn’s decision to undergo a mastectomy due to a genetic predisposition to cancer—a choice that becomes a catalyst for embracing a non-binary identity. This beautiful book delves into the complexities of gender identity, personal loss, and the journey towards self-discovery. It is a lyrical and compelling memoir which was translated into English by Michele Hutchison and we are joined by both author and translator, Valentijn and Michele.

Admission: Free

Rejecting traditional gender norms, Valentijn discards feminine attire and shaves his head, adopting the moniker “Antiboy” to signify an existence beyond conventional classifications. This transformation challenges not only societal expectations but also strains relationships with friends, family, and a cisgender boyfriend, while finding unexpected support from a transgender ex-lover.

 

Critics have lauded Antiboy for its lyrical prose and unflinching honesty:

‘[A] stirring account of his gender transition. […] This will offer solace to readers wrestling with similar questions, and enlightenment to those who never have.’ Publishers Weekly

 

Antiboy […] not only invites readers into the tumultuous journey he undertook that helped shape his identity but also underlines how this reconciliation was possible only by thwarting people’s expectations – the lies society tells about gender. Hoogenkamp’s sparse but poignant prose is masterfully translated by the International Booker Prize-winning translator Michele Hutchinson. It’s laudable how much that is interlinked that the author manages to unpack in this tiny volume.’ The New Indian Express

 

This event is supported by the Dutch Foundation for Literature/Nederlands Letterenfonds as part of their New Dutch Writing programme

 

 

Valentjin Hoogenkamp jacket

Writers

Valentijn Hoogenkamp

Valentijn Hoogenkamp is a Dutch writer and artist born in 1986. He debuted in 2021 with the critically acclaimed novel Het aanbidden van Louis Claus. Antiboy is his second book,...

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Michele Hutchison

Michele Hutchison was born in the UK and has lived in Amsterdam since 2004. She was educated at UEA, Cambridge, and Lyon universities. She translates literary fiction and nonfiction, poetry,...

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