Jan Brokken (Leiden, 1949) is one of the most versatile Dutch writers of his generation, with an output of more than thirty-five titles spanning novels, travel writing, literary non-fiction and biography. His work has been translated into twenty languages and four of his books have been adapted for film. A recurring thread throughout his writing is a deep fascination with music and cultural history, evident in works such as 'Baltic Souls', 'In het huis van de dichter' and 'De rechtvaardigen'. In 2023 he received the Gouden Ganzenveer, the Netherlands' most prestigious award for a writer's complete body of work.
Jan Brokken gives a series of lectures and concert lectures in November 2026 about his new book 'The Last Gondola', among others in Driebergen, Rotterdam, Bilthoven and Middelburg.
'The Last Gondola', Brokken's portrait of Venice, appears on 5 November 2026 at Atlas Contact.
At the Italian book festival Pordenonelegge (20 September 2025), Jan Brokken was surprised with an award.
On 11 August 2025, NPO2 broadcast the documentary film 'Jan Brokken - His War', based on his Indies trilogy.
'The Discovery of Holland' was nominated for the Premio Strega europeo, the most prestigious Italian literature prize for European literature.
Jan Brokken and pianist Jeroen van Veen blend literature and music in an intimate bookcase concert exploring melancholy and travel.
Author Jan Brokken and pianist Jeroen van Veen combine literature and music in a programme about Venice, featuring passages from Brokken's book and works by Liszt and Stravinsky.
