John Irving

On 21 January, none other than John Irving will be our guest. The American author has many bestsellers to his name, including the film adaptations of the classics The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules. At BorderKitchen he will talk about his latest book: Avenue van de mysterieën. Journalist and writer Arjan Visser will interview him.

Juan Diego is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in poverty in Mexico. His thirteen-year-old sister Lupe can read the thoughts of some people, and believes she knows what the future holds. She is usually right about the past: she knows the worst things that have happened to you without you ever having told her. She is less often right about what will happen in the future, but it is a heavy burden when you are convinced you know what is going to happen to yourself or to someone you love.
What is a thirteen-year-old girl capable of if she believes she must change the future?

Later in life, Juan Diego undertakes a journey to the Philippines. He is accompanied by his dreams and memories, and reflects on his turbulent childhood in Mexico.

“A burlesque, restless, moving novel, a typical Irving in its plea for tolerance.” – Trouw

“A deeply empathetic, masterfully told story about supernatural sacrifice and perseverance, improbable love and intense miracles.” – Booklist

“The character is fascinatingly original; his story contains humour, pathos and sharp reflections. Irving once again manages to charm the reader by combining the fantastic with the utterly real and deeply affecting.” – People Magazine

After the interview, there will be an opportunity to purchase the book (bookstall provided by bookshop Van Stockum). Due to an injury, John Irving will unfortunately not be able to sign books live, but he will be present at the bookstall afterwards with pre-signed copies.

Avenue van de mysterieën was published in November 2015 by De Bezige Bij. The original title is Avenue van de mysterieën, translated from English by Otto Biersma and Luud Dorresteijn.

Date: Thursday 21 January
Start time: 20.00
Location: Paard van Troje, Prinsegracht 12, The Hague
Tickets: SOLD OUT