Six Novels compete for Prestigious NS Audience Award 2025
AMSTERDAM – The nominees for the 2025 NS Audience Award, one of the Netherlands’ most coveted literary prizes, have been announced, showcasing a diverse range of compelling narratives. the six selected titles-Fantoomgroep by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, De nomade by Anya Niewierra, De verwarde cavia – terug op kantoor by Paulien Cornelisse, Het Licht Dat We Missen by Simone van der Vlugt, De laatste doorbraak by Saskia Noort, and De collectie by Hendrik Groen-will vie for the top honor, determined entirely by public vote.
The NS Audience Award, presented annually, recognizes authors who deeply resonate with readers and offers a substantial €50,000 prize. Voting opens January 15th, 2025, and concludes during the Nacht van de Voorlezer (Night of Reading) on March 21st, 2025.The winner will be revealed live on NPO Radio 1 the following day. This year’s selection promises a captivating contest, offering readers a chance to champion their favorite stories.
Fantoomgroep by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld follows a man questioning his life choices amidst fellow travelers, prompting reflection on his journey. Boekenhandelaar Menno Daamen notes the author’s consistent success: “Alle onderwerpen waar hij over schrijft zijn een succes in de winkel.”
Anya Niewierra’s De nomade centers on Olga, who cares for her father with dementia and uncovers a shocking family secret in Eastern Europe while questioning her own past. Niewierra described the writing process as “heel intens om te schrijven.”
Paulien Cornelisse’s De verwarde cavia – terug op kantoor revisits the world of Caaf, a cavia navigating the familiar-and often humorous-challenges of office life. Bookhandelaar Amin Usman highlights the book’s relatability: “De situaties in het boek zijn zo herkenbaar, dat je meteen in het verhaal zit.”
Simone van der Vlugt’s Het Licht Dat We Missen is among the nominated titles.
Saskia Noort’s De laatste doorbraak also appears on the list of contenders.
Rounding out the nominees is Hendrik groen’s De collectie, continuing the author’s popular series.
