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Antiboy (2022) is a coming-of-gender story about loss and finding freedom in change. Furthermore he has written works of theatre and performed poetry at cultural festivals.

Valentijn Hoogenkamp

When Valentijn has to undergo a mastectomy because of a gene defect, he takes the decision not to have implants and adopts an in-between identity that feels more natural. He discards his wardrobe of women’s clothes, even the perfect dress his mother was so fond of, and shaves his head. But all of this causes friction, not only are the doctors stumped, but friends, family and lovers too. His trans ex helps him feeling more comfortable in his new guise – not a girl, not a boy but an anti-boy – and his boyfriend draws away from the relationship.Surrounded by grief and loss, Antiboy searches for the ultimate freedom to be allowed to be himself and tries to rebuild relationships with those around him. This short, well-written book about outwardly adopting a new, but truer, identity is poignant without ever being sentimental.

‘The lyrical passages and Hoogenkamp’s eye for strange details make reading this at times painful distressing story, a blistering literary experience.’

‘This book is much more than just a tell-all mem­oir: it’s first and foremost a literary work, deftly constructed, with vivid and accomplished prose.’

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Antiboy

'Antiboy' takes place at the messy intersection between gender and orientation, gender roles and relationships.

She gets pregnant, and they lose touch after she has an abortion. Fifteen years later, Carla has lost her mother and is in a lesbian relationship when one day she runs into Louis Claus, they seek shelter from the rain and end up having sex. Once again, Carla seems to be running away from her problems by focusing on Louis.Subtle and lyrical, Adoring Louis Claus interweaves the themes of sexuality, loneliness and grief.

Being young, facing adversity, coming of age are the stuff of many literary debuts, but Hoogenkamp’s crackling style and impressive restraint put her head and shoulders above the rest.

Het aanbidden van Louis Claus

It is summer 2003 and teenage Carla, unhappy at home, loses herself instead in a relationship with classmate Louis Claus.

Adoring Louis Claus

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Non-Fiction

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