Femke

Femke is a drifter in turn-of-the-century Amsterdam, with a loyal dog Bibi. She is drawn into the world of a British filmmaker and his wife, meets an ageing poet, Michiel de Koning, and tries to nurse him back to health. Their friendship leads Femke to discover the identity of De Koning's great love and inspiration, M, revealing the uncertainties of her own past. The book is written with a clear poetic sensibility and strong echoes of European Modernism, celebrating the stories we tell ourselves and one another, the elusiveness of our fleeting connections, and the complex power dynamics between poet and muse.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Taproot Press

Femke, a drifter with a loyal dog named Bibi, navigates the turn-of-the-century streets of Amsterdam. She is a multifaceted individual, embodying various aspects of her identity. She spends much of her time in a drug-ridden park, displaying a sense of detachment from society. Hailing from a colonial Dutch background, Femke carries a unique cultural heritage. She possesses a magnetic personality, prone to petit mal seizures and tumultuous relationships. However, she is also a liar, hiding her true intentions and past.

Through her encounter with a British filmmaker and his wife, Femke enters a world of uncertainty and intrigue. She meets an ageing poet, Michiel de Koning, and forms a deep friendship with him. As their bond grows, Femke delves into de Koning's mysterious past, which intertwines with the enigmatic figure of Gerrit Achterberg, a poet and murderer. This pursuit of truth leads Femke on a journey to unravel the identity of de Koning's great love and inspiration, M.

As she uncovers the truth about de Koning's past, Femke's own past begins to unravel, revealing the complexities and uncertainties of her existence. She realizes that the world around her is filled with unreliable listeners, and she must navigate through the maze of lies and half-truths to find her own sense of truth.

Femke is a captivating tale that explores the stories we tell ourselves and one another. It delves into the elusiveness of fleeting connections and the intricate power dynamics between a poet and his muse. Written with a clear poetic sensibility and strong echoes of European Modernism, Femke celebrates the complexities of human relationships and the search for self-discovery.

Through Femke's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of truth, the importance of friendship, and the complexities of human emotions. The book offers a poignant portrayal of a woman navigating the challenges of a changing world, seeking solace and meaning in the midst of uncertainty.

Dimension: 210 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838080082