Renate_dorrestein-

Renate
Dorrestein

Renate Dorrestein (1954–2018) was an internationally bestselling author who occupies a unique position within Dutch literature. An extraordinary storyteller, known for her unsentimental depiction of children and their flawed families, Dorrestein’s wicked humor offsets the darkness of her subjects. Her books have been nominated for the International impac Dublin Literary Award, the AKO Literature Prize, and the Libris Literature Prize. Her breakthrough novel A Heart of Stone was a Barnes & Noble ‘Discover Great New Writers’ selection. Her novels have been made into films and translated into fifteen languages.
Renate Dorrestein (1954–2018) was an internationally bestselling author who occupies a unique position within Dutch literature. An extraordinary storyteller, known for her unsentimental depiction of children and their flawed families, Dorrestein’s wicked humor offsets the darkness of her subjects. Her books have been nominated for the International impac Dublin Literary Award, the AKO Literature Prize, and the Libris Literature Prize. Her breakthrough novel A Heart of Stone was a Barnes & Noble ‘Discover Great New Writers’ selection. Her novels have been made into films and translated into fifteen languages.
artwork-image

PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS

RELATED FEATURES

Video April 7 2026

The 2026 Shortlist

Discover this year's Dublin Literary Award Shortlist
News April 7 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist is Announced

Delve into the 6 novels shortlisted this year.
News April 2 2026

Past Winner Spotlight: Michael Crummey

Reflecting on his 2025 Dublin Literary Award win with his novel 'The Adversary', libraries, literature and more.
News March 11 2026

Translator Spotlight: Jo Heinrich

Reflecting on translating the 2023 winning novel 'Marzahn, Mon Amour' and life as a literary translator.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.