Beschrijving

The Expressionists of Zoerle Village tells the story of an old man through the eyes of his grandson. Tired of his grandad’s relentless ranting and preaching, the young man resolves never to hold opinions of his own. It’s a tale of unresolved trauma, peppered with humour. At its heart lies the question: can someone truly be condemned for mistakes made long ago? Is moral outrage legitimate when the critics benefit from their own indignation?

Kurt Kerkenaar is deeply unhappy. He has no desire to go to university, but can’t pluck up the courage to quit the dead end job he hates. Then one day, clearing out his grandfather’s house, he stumbles upon a secret: his cantankerous grandpa was once a rising star in the turbulent art scene of 1980s Amsterdam. Why has grandad kept quiet all this time, and what happened to his paintings? The discovery sets Kurt on a journey through his family’s past and the culture of two countries.

Koen Delbeke is a Russian translator from Leuven. Misunderstandings, generational conflicts, and dysfunctional families are staple ingredients in his stories. His characters often land in trouble due to their obsessions and distorted perceptions of reality. The result is a blend of social commentary and subtle humour.