BOOK BRIEF

The Twin

Gerbrand Bakker
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The Twin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

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Gerbrand Bakker

The Twin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Dutch Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Period
Classical Period
Setting

The Netherlands • Contemporary

Theme
Family
Topic
LGBTQ+

Education
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker follows a middle-aged man, Helmer, who returns to his family's isolated Dutch farm to care for his ailing father. The narrative explores themes of solitude, family dynamics, and unfulfilled aspirations as Helmer reassesses his life's direction and relationships after his twin brother's tragic death.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Serene

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

4,287 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker is widely praised for its evocative prose and atmospheric setting. Reviewers highlight the novel’s exploration of solitude and familial duty as compelling. Some readers find the pacing slow and the narrative introspective, which may not appeal to those preferring plot-driven stories. Overall, it's acclaimed for its depth and emotional resonance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Twin?

A reader who enjoys The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker is likely drawn to introspective narratives and rural settings. Fans of character-driven stories with themes of solitude and familial duty, similar to those in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead or Kent Haruf's Plainsong, would appreciate Bakker's nuanced exploration of identity and isolation.

3.9

4,287 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Dutch Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Period
Classical Period
Setting

The Netherlands • Contemporary

Theme
Family
Topic
LGBTQ+

Education
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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