Main reading - Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer

On June 14, Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer will be a guest at the Poetry International Festival, where he will present two new, long lyrical poems – works that have never been shared with the public before. Pfeijffer, a prominent figure in contemporary Dutch literature, is traveling from his home in Genoa, Italy, especially for this occasion. 

In his reading, hosted by Francis Broekhuijsen, Pfeijffer will introduce his latest poetry, bringing his keen observations and refined language to life once again. His work is known for its musicality and subtle exploration of themes such as reality, imagination, and the human experience. 

This evening offers a unique opportunity to experience Pfeijffer’s poetry in an intimate setting. A special moment for both loyal readers and newcomers to his work.

Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer

Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer (1968) is a versatile Dutch writer and poet, known for his poetry, novels, plays, essays, and translations. He has published over forty works and received prestigious awards, such as the C. Buddingh’ Prize, the Libris Literature Prize, and the VSB Poetry Prize. His work often explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, focusing on the blurring line between fantasy and reality in modern society. 

Pfeijffer studied classical literature and received his PhD in 1996 on Pindarus. Since 2008, he has lived in Genoa, where his poetry is characterized by the musicality of classical forms. His novel La Superba (2013) was internationally praised and sold worldwide. 

In addition to his literary work, he is a playwright and was recognized for his essays on migration and his poetry collection Idyllen. Recent works include the novel Grand Hotel Europa (2018) and Alkibiades (2023), in which he examines the vulnerability of democracy.