Versatile and elusive Writers Unlimited closes with tribute to Hella S Haasse and rain of awards

She was buried privately, which literary Netherlands found unfortunate. Nice that therefore Writers Unlimited offered the opportunity for a memorial service in style for the greatest Dutch writer of the past century, who died at the end of September 2011. But 'memorial service' also immediately marked the atmosphere, which at times was more sacred than the deceased might have wished for himself.

It is remarkable how a writer's sentences, once highlighted, can be given echoing interpretations after his death. Gustaaf Peek in particular, if he really wants to do justice to Haasse, must do something about his rather chest-thumping piety, but even a seasoned artist like Kees 't Hart can moderate the tone while quoting. It remains to be seen whether the two men of letters should immediately go on the Indian tour, like 'going native' Willem BNijholt did. But one look at how they do it on stage, expressing sentences, would not do many a Dutch poet and writer any harm.

Fortunately, there were the children themselves, and skilled speakers like Arjan Peters, Elsbeth Etty and MC Pieter Steinz, who provided a tone and atmosphere more befitting of Haasse. With that, it became less a farewell and more a call to keep rediscovering this writer's work.

After the break, it was time for the shower of Jan Campert Prizes. A.F.Th van der Heijden made an impression with his video message in response to receiving the Constantijn Heygens Prize. There were also prizes for Erik Spinoy (Jan Campert Prize for 'Dode Kamer') and the aforementioned Gustaaf Peek, who received the F. Bordewijk Prize for his novel Ik was Amerika (I was America). Benny Lindelauf received the Nienke van Hichtum Prize for children's literature for his book 'De Hemel van Heivisj.'

We did not wait for the drinks afterwards. But went home to have tea with some gentlemen.

Also visit the Hella S Haasse museum on the internet.