Child of Spring

Original title: Lentekind

Publication Date:

June 2024

Pages:

320

Original language and publisher

Dutch | Meulenhoff

Territories Handled

Worldwide excl. Dutch

Genres

Debut Novel, Literary Fiction

Child of Spring

Original title: Lentekind

Synopsis

“It’s amazing when a new author can write with clear precision from the start, if they have their own tone. Harmen van Liemt is one of those rare talents. You can feel his narrative power.” — Maaike Pereboom, literary agent

“A sensitive coming-of-age and queer awakening novel. A sad book, but it is absolutely also a beautiful book: hopeful and sweet. From birth until Amsterdam, Woody is the narrator – and he is wonderful at it! […] A frisky debut!” — De Boekenkrant

“A powerful coming-of-age novel, wherein themes such as sexuality, family and loss are discussed candidly and disarmingly. One of the highlights of the book is the main character: through Woody, Harmen van Liemt brought to life a character whom you will immediately grant a place in your heart.” — Winq

“Harmen van Liemt weaves all the big themes into one story, while his spring-like view remains tangible. Seeking for your place in the world, wrestling with fear, love, loss and above all the will to live without brakes. A hopeful book written by an author with an undeniable talent for storytelling.” — Splinter Chabot

“The emotional depth of Child of Spring pulls at you until you finish it. A powerful, loving novel.” — Book of the Month at Paagman

“A novel about lust and the burdens of life. Put this on your wishlist for the holidays!” — Het Laatste Nieuws

“With his own voice, smooth writing and huge talent, Harmen van Liemt manages to pull his readers into the world of Woody.” — Jongstof

“Harmen dares to think and dream big, he is not scared of vulnerability, dares to look critically at the established order and at himself. He stays close to himself and his feelings as a writer and is always on the lookout for originality and renewal.” — Tatjana Almuli, journalist and writer

“Harmen van Liemt stands out; his Child of Spring is terrific. Also personal, he writes about his coming out and the loss of his sister. He weaves those themes together skillfully. No clichés.” — AD Mezza

Child of spring, a disarming coming-of-age novel about loss, identity and sexuality. The young Woody grows up in a loving family in a village on the river banks of the Ijssel, and has a close relationship with his older sister Lara. When she becomes terminally ill, Woody has to grow up quickly, while he is still wrestling with unanswered questions and teenage lust. Seeking for a way out he finds his own recipe for freedom. Written in a solemn, soft and approachable voice.” — NBD Biblion

“A sweet, touching coming-of-age novel.” — Nouveau

“The unity of Woody’s personal quest for who he really is and wants to be and Lara’s young and abruptly ended life, give Child of Spring a wonderful base. He tells his story about human power and powerlessness, about wanting, but sometimes not being able to.” — Tzum.nl

“With Child of Spring, Harmen van Liemt wrote a remarkably powerful, raw and disarming coming-of-age novel about imagination, sexuality and loss, about the wish to be seen and known, and at the same time to stay true to oneself.” — ILFU

Woody grows up as the youngest of three in a loving family in a village on the river IJessel. He is a free and uninhibited child. Woody has a close bond with his sister Lara that is difficult to explain to others.

As Woody grows older, his boldness gives way to an oppressive self-consciousness. Much of what makes him who he is loses its automaticity: his imagination, his sexuality and his relationship with the outside world. When his sister becomes very ill, Woody is forced to remain in the background. He must act like an adult overnight, but is left with unanswered questions and adolescent passion.

Harmen van Liemt wrote a remarkably powerful, raw and disarming coming-of-age novel about imagination and loss, about the desire to be seen and known, to be naturally one with the other while remaining true to yourself.

Marketing Information

  • English sample available