To celebrate the birthday of the Dutch King and of Vincent Bijlo, the well-known Dutch stand-up comedian, author and musician, we publish the English translation of Vincent’s first novel on 27 April 2017.

What is it like growing up blind? The Institute tells the story from an offbeat angle that is hilarious as well as moving.

The Institute was first published as Het instituut in 1998 by De Arbeiderspers in the Netherlands. It has now been translated into English by Susan Ridder and for our Dutch readers we have also reissued the novel in Dutch.

Praise for the Dutch version

‘The humour and the quality of the prose make this book so much more than a personal act of revenge.’

‘A daring act of courage that I highly recommend.’

‘A remarkable novel because of its subject matter and unexpected brutal humour.’

‘An impressive and moving novella.’

Find out for yourself by reading Otto & Harry an excerpt from The Institute.

The Institute, ISBN 9781907320637, 112 pages, £10

Het instituut, ISBN 9781907320668, 112 page, €12,50

Available from this website, bookshops, amazon and bol.com.

For review copies, reading requests and publicity material please contact the publisher: bernadette@hollandparkpress.co.uk, +44 (0) 7792611929.