Frans Kellendonk

Biography

Franciscus Gerardus Petrus "Frans" Kellendonk (1951–1990) was a Dutch author and translator. In 1987 he won the Ferdinand Bordewijk Prijs for his novel Mystiek lichaam (Mystical Body, 1986). Kellendonk belonged to a generation of writers who elevated the dichotomy between fiction and reality to a major theme of their work, with a strong emphasis on form. During his short life, Kellendonk created an impressive oeuvre of novels, short stories, essays and translations. From his debut Bouwval (Ruin, 1977), ghost story Letter en geest (Letter and Spirit, 1992) to his final novel Mystiek lichaam, Kellendonk won the admiration of readers and critics alike with his masterly expressive capabilities and sublime command of the language. In 1990, Kellendonk passed away after a long battle with aids.