Ferdinand Bordewijk, a celebrated and influential Dutch literary figure and legal expert, entered this world on October 10, 1884, and ultimately succumbed to mortality on April 28, 1965. His unique and distinctive literary style, marked by a deliberate concision and a penchant for symbolism, has been frequently linked to the literary movement of New Objectivity and the mystical, fantastical realm of magic realism.
One of the most remarkable literary achievements of his illustrious career is undoubtedly the novel "Karakter", which has been immortalized on the silver screen in the Academy Award-winning film "Character", masterfully directed by the acclaimed Mike van Diem in 1997.
Before achieving widespread recognition with the aforementioned novel, Bordewijk's writing career was marked by a series of groundbreaking short novels, including the critically acclaimed "Blokken", "Knorrende Beesten", and "Bint", as well as two longer, more complex works, "Rood paleis" and the aforementioned "Karakter".
Blokken, a dystopian novel penned by Bordewijk in 1931, stirred controversy due to its perceived critique of communism, a theme that garnered significant attention from readers and critics alike.
A notable aspect of this novel is its juxtaposition with another prominent work of dystopian fiction, Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World", which was published a year later in 1932. Bordewijk himself surprisingly deemed Huxley's work to be of little value, a statement that warrants further examination and analysis.
Noted Dutch author, Ferdinand Bordewijk, initially embarked on a professional path in the field of law, attending Leiden University to pursue a degree in this discipline. Following the successful completion of his academic endeavors, he went on to secure employment at a reputable law firm situated in the city of Rotterdam. However, his ambition and drive soon led him to establish his own independent law practice in the city of Schiedam in the year 1919.
In his personal life, Bordewijk was united in matrimony to the accomplished composer, Johanna Bordewijk-Roepman. This remarkable woman not only captured his heart, but also inspired his creative endeavors. In fact, he had the distinct honor of penning the libretto for her opera, "Rotonde", which premiered in 1941.
