Bookclub Read Me: Beyond sleep - W.F. Hermans

11
December
De Groene Waterman 17:30

Read and connect by joining our English Bookclub. Today Sanne Hermans talks about W.F. Hermans, 'Beyond Sleep'.

Sanne Hermans (32) is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Urban History at the University of Antwerp. She is currently in the final year of her research on future thinking and action in the early modern period. In addition to History, she holds a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Dutch Language and Culture from the Universities of Groningen and Amsterdam. During her undergraduate studies, she developed leeswijzers for Stichting Senia, creating reading guides for book clubs across the Netherlands. She also worked as a publishing assistant at Uitgeverij Verloren, specialising in Dutch history.

The post-war novel Nooit meer slapen (Beyond Sleep, 1966) by W.F. Hermans is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Dutch literature. It follows Alfred Issendorf, a young geologist, on a field expedition through the remote wilderness of northern Norway, as he attempts to prove a scientific theory and gain academic recognition. But as the journey grows increasingly gruelling, Alfred is forced to confront not only the harsh landscape but also his fears and insecurities, turning the expedition into an existential ordeal. The novel was awarded the Vijverberg Prize in 1966, though Hermans declined to accept it. Nooit meer slapen has since been translated into Norwegian, Swedish, German, Spanish, and English.

Practicalities:

  • When: Thursday 11th of December 2025 - 5.30 pm
  • Where: De Groene Waterman - Wolstraat 7, 2000 Antwerp
  • Participation is free. Monetary contributions are appreciated but remain completely voluntary.
  • Please register by sending an e-mail to groenewaterman@groenewaterman.be

The complete list of all Read Me-sessions:



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