‘Negen Open Armen’ is already being/has already been translated in Germany, France, South Africa and Korea. Another two translations are being added, and they’re quite something. America has bought the rights (Enchanted Lion) and Australia (Allen and Unwinn) will also be publishing the book.
Since the 25th Woutertje Pieterse ceremony I have a new profession. Robber Chieftain. For this occasion Woutertje wanted to hold all 24 previous winners once again up to the light and chose 5 winners from the winners, honouring them as Robber Chieftains. My fellow Robber Chieftains are Imme Dros, Joke van Leeuwen, Toon Tellegen and Wim Hofman. I felt honoured, but also slightly uneasy as a result. As though Moeyaert, van Gestel, Provoost and all the other previous winners of all those wonderful books had suddenly been pushed into the wings. I can understand that one has to dream something up to keep Woutertje Pieterse in the spotlight, but was a re-election the way to do that?