Craving
2017 Longlist

Craving

Translated from the original Dutch by Michele Hutchison

ABOUT
THE BOOK

The relationship between Coco and her mother Elisabeth is uneasy, to say the least. Running into each other by chance, Elisabeth casually tells Coco that she is terminally ill. When Coco moves in with her mother in order to take care of her, aspects of their troubled relationship come to the fore once again. Elisabeth tries her best to conform to the image of a caring mother, but struggles to deal with Coco’s erratic behaviour and unpredictable moods.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Esther
Gerritsen

Esther Gerritsen (the Netherlands) is an established novelist and playwright. Craving was published in English last year and shortlisted for the Vondel Prize. Her successful novel Roxy was nominated for the Dutch Libris Literature Prize and film rights have been sold.

Esther Gerritsen (the Netherlands) is an established novelist and playwright. Craving was published in English last year and shortlisted for the Vondel Prize. Her successful novel Roxy was nominated for the Dutch Libris Literature Prize and film rights have been sold.

NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

Mother Elizabeth meets her daughter Coco unexpectedly after many years. Elizabeth has cancer and has not long to live. Coco decides to live in with her mother. Psychological profile of mother and daughter with dialogues in short sentences which seem simple but imply so much more: silly, bizarre, but also painful. Mother and daughter slowly lose contact with reality and each other. Gerritsen shows the inner thoughts of both women which gives a fascinating view of alienation and isolation. But in the end both are bound in that isolation. Touching and captivating!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Date published
08/01/2015
Publisher
World Editions
Translator
Michele Hutchison
Translation
Translated from the original Dutch by Michele Hutchison

STAY CONNECTED

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