Jilt Jorritsma, who lives in Eindhoven, won the first Joost Zwagerman Essay Prize. His essay “Onthoofd” (Decapitated) came out best, according to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant.
The twenty-seven-year-old Jorritsma competed with four other finalists. Jorritsma’s work consists of five parts. His essay focuses on the September 11 attacks in New York.
Jorritsma’s essay also addresses the malaise after these attacks. Even the studio of French artist Rodin is mentioned. The devastated Twin Towers contained works by this famous sculptor. Jorritsma won 7500 Euro with his essay.
The Joost Zwagerman Essay Prize is a new award. It was created to stimulate Dutch writers and is awarded to new talents. The award is an initiative of the Van Bijlevelt Foundation and the Maatschappij der Nederlandse Letterkunde, in consultation with the heirs of Joost Zwagerman.
Joost Zwagerman
Joost Zwagerman was a Dutch author, poet and essayist. He won many literary prizes. His novels and other works have been translated into twelve languages, including German, French and Japanese.
Zwagerman worked as columnist for Dutch newspapers, including de Volkskrant and NRC Handelsblad. An amateur art lover, Zwagerman also enjoyed sharing his love for art. He lectured and worked at several Dutch universities. Zwagerman committed suicide in 2015.
Budding author yourself? Don’t underestimate your talents. Why not enter an international competition yourself? Nowadays, there exist plenty; for up-and-coming writers, as well as published authors.
Interested in Jilt Jorritsman’s Dutch Essay: Onthoofd.
Source: Studio 040
Translator: Kate
