F. Bordewijk
Ferdinand Bordewijk (1884-1965) made his prose debut in an unusual genre uncommon for the Netherlands - three compilations of 'Fantastische vertellingen' (‘Fantastic Narratives’).
The three subsequent short novels Blokken (1931), Knorrende beesten (1933) and Bint (1934) secured his reputation forever as an author of exceptionally original prose, with its short sentences and abrasive style. In 1957 he received the Constantijn Huygens Award for his entire oeuvre.
More F. Bordewijk
Blocks, Growling Creatures, Bint
Bordewijk was associated with the New Objectivity movement because of his cold-blooded style, but the graphic imagery and magical quality of his stories consistently marked him as a great man of letters. He outdid himself with the character of headmaster Bint, who demands iron self-control and discipline from his pupils.
Character
Those who met Ferdinand Bordewijk described him as an impeccable, nondescript lawyer. Even the few acquaintances whom he deigned to meet privately found it almost impossible to extract personal statements from him, and when interviewed about his literary work he spoke of its writer in the third person, as if talking of someone else altogether. Bordewijk’s writing must have fulfilled a compensatory function in his life. With his solid, violent style, Bordewijk indulged urges which had no place in his daily routine. As a lawyer he was all too aware of the consequences of giving in to temptation.