Experienced booksellers from the Dutch bookstore chain Athenaeum & Scheltema, which operates six locations across Amsterdam and Haarlem in the Netherlands, provide monthly curated reading recommendations aligned with the latest issues of LINDA magazine. [1]
For the current month, the curated selections focus on three literary works exploring the themes of connection and the lack thereof. The selected titles are categorized under the theme of human connection. The recommendations highlight the paradox of modern life where digital technology has simplified daily tasks but complicated the ability to form genuine human connections, a topic also explored in the recent edition of LINDA. [1]
One of the recommended books is 'Strangers' written by Belle Burden. This memoir focuses on the breakdown of communication within Belle Burden's own marriage. The narrative begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when Burden discovered through an unknown source that her husband of 20 years, James, was having an affair. Upon confrontation, James announced his intention to leave her, despite having shown no previous signs of dissatisfaction with their relationship. [1]
Following James' sudden departure, Burden experienced a profound emotional void and isolation, which extended to their children. The refusal of the husband to communicate about his reasons for leaving led Burden to question the entire foundation of their relationship, contemplating whether she had spent two decades married to a stranger. 'Strangers' examines the emotional aftermath of abandonment and the transformation of one's life when a lifelong partner suddenly refuses all contact. This particular title was recommended by bookseller Lieve van Ommen. [1]
The second recommendation is 'Bona fide' by author Sander Kollaard. Kollaard is recognized for creating warm-blooded characters who form deep connections. While he has authored an apocalyptic novel titled 'Einde verhaal' and a lockdown-themed story called 'De kleuren van Anna', the current recommendation is 'Bona fide', which saw a special illustrated edition featuring drawings by Floris Tilanus released in 2024. [1]
The plot of 'Bona fide' follows a character named Leo who is struck by a series of misfortunes, ranging from the loss of his job and health to the death of his goldfish. Leo is depicted in a state of despair, unable to find meaning in the total loss of his professional and personal life. The narrative introduces Uncle Arie, described as a foul-mouthed angel, who encourages Leo to find faith as a possible path toward recovery. The book is suggested as a thoughtful gift. This selection was provided by bookseller Daan Stoffelsen. [1]
The third recommended work is 'Confrontations' (Confrontaties) by Simone Atangana Bekono. The novel, which won the Anton Wachter Prize in 2022, follows a black gymnasium student attempting to survive juvenile detention after abusing two classmates. The story gradually reveals the details of her actions while exploring the transition from being a bullied outcast to becoming a perpetrator of violence. [1]
'Confrontations' portrays a sensitive and intelligent girl seeking human contact, a need that is thwarted by systemic and social racism, both within the prison environment and broader society, questioning the possibility of achieving harmony. This book was recommended by bookseller Ivana Kalas. [1]
Information regarding the partnering bookstore chain is provided. Athenaeum & Scheltema maintains six cozy bookstores in Amsterdam and Haarlem, where expert staff offer monthly surprises that complement LINDA's editorial content. [1]
Other book recommendations are available for those seeking topics beyond human connection. LINDA offers a newsletter for subscribers to receive curated content via email. [1]
- Categories:
- Culture
- Entities:
