Tzoom | Report: On the red carpet for the Book Ball 2024 (Part Two)

'In Our Family' is the theme of Book Week, above the Amsterdam Theater (ITA) 'Coming Home' is written in cheerful lamp letters and the Chabot family are the first to enter the blue carpet; In short, it was all family-like at this episode of the ball. Although opinions on the Book Week gift, and the family packaging, are divided to say the least, the Chabot family was thrilled upon its arrival. Dressed in black and gold suits, they made extensive tours of the assembled press. Afterwards many well-known and less well-known writers were allowed to follow them. It is clear that for many young people this time there has been a generational change, which has not diminished the atmosphere.

The party always starts with an hour-long hall program in which Book Week giveaway authors are highlighted and there are some performances (singing and dancing) to enjoy. This time, they included Frank Nehlen, who recited a poem by Copland. How did it go? I have no idea, because places are unfortunately limited for the hall programme. At 10 p.m., the real party begins, as another group of party-goers who did not have a place in the hall are accepted. It was, as always, nice and full, the atmosphere was excellent, and the people were remarkably cheerful and kind to each other. In fact, the party was sweeter and braver than ever. Last year, a group of women writers attracted attention with a climate protest action, but this year the commitment has been completely absent, with the exception of “Two Scarves for Arafat.” (And some ambiguous watermelon pins in the colors of the Palestinian flag.) There was not a wild word, no one hit anyone on the head, and there was no rioting or argument at all. There was laughter, talking and dancing (Splinter Chabot was the absolute prince of the dance floor). It was really fun. Old fashioned fun, back home.

Ross Custers (Photos © Dolph Verlinden)