Summer Brother

A coming-of-age novel about a 13-year-old teenager who is forced to take care of his disabled brother. And about love that can take root in the most unexpected places.

Brian hardly knows his older brother Lucien, because for several years he lived in a boarding school. But when the boarding school closes for repairs, Brian and his father have to take Lucien home. The problem is that Lucien isn’t an ordinary teenager. All responsibility for caring for his brother falls on Brian. But how do you look after someone if you don’t know what they need? And how can you say what you feel without using a single word?

Who is this book for

For fans of coming-of-age novels.

For everyone looking for books with important social issues.

For those who love stories that make you think.

For readers who want to learn more about the challenges teenagers face.

Book highlights

Winner of the 2021 Booker Prize longlist.

The book has been translated into 10 languages.

Winner of the Vondel Translation Prize (UK) 2022.

Shortlisted for the Dutch Youth Literature Prize in 2019.

The novel will be adapted for film and released in the Netherlands in 2023.