Book Presentation: De Fakkeldrager, by Dick Laning

The Torchbearer is the second book by Dick Laning. It is of particular interest to people from Groningen, as it is the first novel to address the earthquake issues in the region. Coby Rijf is the main character. Together with the local minister, she is put forward as the torchbearer who must negotiate with government agencies about the handling of the damages. Things do not go smoothly (“We have heated the whole of the Netherlands, and now they leave us out in the cold”). This takes a toll on her personal life, and her relationship is on shaky ground. She also cannot break free from events in the past. She is a restorer and also a painter (“Tomorrow I will try again to draw the night, lighter than my thoughts, darker than reality.”).

With pride, Boekhandel Riemer Groningen welcomes the author this evening for a conversation about this beautiful book. Naturally, he will sign copies, and there will be an opportunity to chat afterwards while enjoying a snack and a drink. You are warmly welcome!