paroolNov 6, 2026, 12:10

Review of A Wrinkle in Time: collection shows why the short story is such a delightful genre

Roos van Rijswijk explores the fluid nature of time and the connection between past and present in her new short story collection, In een vouw van de tijd. The book features five evocative narratives that highlight the emotional complexity of life experiences through the powerful medium of the short story.

In her new short story collection titled In een vouw van de tijd, author Roos van Rijswijk explores the fluid and subjective nature of time. The book features five powerful narratives that examine how past experiences continue to shape and influence the present moment. Through themes of memory and personal history, Van Rijswijk demonstrates the literary strength of the short story genre.

The collection opens with the story Acht meter, which follows a forty-year-old writer trapped in a station elevator with a man who reminds her of a traumatic incident from her youth. As they wait for the elevator to reach its destination, the protagonist experiences a profound overlap between the current situation and a past encounter. This intense psychological tension highlights how specific locations can act as focal points for past trauma.

Other stories in the anthology delve into complex life choices and difficult personal circumstances, such as a teacher dealing with a student's death or a woman reflecting on her husband's alcoholism. With her distinctive stylistic talent, Van Rijswijk effectively captures the emotional weight of these moments.

Culture

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Marius Borg Høiby appeals extension of pre-trial detention

Marius Borg Høiby has filed an appeal against the court's decision to extend his pre-trial detention. While a lower court initially ordered his release, the appellate court overturned this ruling due to concerns regarding potential recidivism and his personal well-being.

Review: American Hagwon is a delicious literary soap opera about education and parental pressure

Min Jin Lee's new novel, American Hagwon, examines the lives of the Koh family as they navigate intense academic pressure and financial ruin following an international scandal. The story follows their migration from South Korea to the United States, highlighting the ethical dilemmas surrounding education and the true meaning of success.

Review: In The Two Johannas, the queen wandered around with the corpse of her adulterous husband

Queen Joanna of Castile, also known as Joanna the Mad, lived from 1479 to 1555 and was known for her intense, jealous devotion to her husband, Philip the Handsome. Following his premature death, she became infamous for traveling with his corpse and frequently opening his casket to embrace him.

Pepper spray and fireworks at Don Toliver concert in Ziggo Dome, suspect handed over to police

A concert by rapper Don Toliver at the Ziggo Dome was disrupted when a flare was ignited and pepperspray was released into the crowd. Security personnel apprehended a suspect and transferred them to the police, while officials encouraged affected visitors to come forward.

In Arnon Grunberg's new novel, a great-nephew of Nazi leader Himmler struggles with his conscience: I doubt that guilt can be inherited

Arnon Grunberg explores the psychological burden of ancestry in his new novel, Himmler in New York, which follows a great-nephew of Nazi figure Heinrich Himmler. The story examines whether guilt can be inherited and how historical connections to a perpetrator impact the conscience of a descendant.