Bestseller Joe Speedboot is distributed free of charge during Heel Nederland Leest | Book & Culture

“In November, the whole of the Netherlands reads the same book. This brings people together and increases social cohesion,” says Eveline Aendekerk, director of the Collective Propaganda of the Dutch Book Foundation (CPNB). “This nineteenth edition of the campaign is perhaps more needed now than ever before. That is why I am extra happy that we are working with Tommy Wieringa’s Joe Speedboat going to read a hell of a novel.”

Especially for the campaign, the 2005 book is being distributed free of charge at libraries and secondary schools, among others.

It was announced on Monday Joe Speedboat currently being made into a film. Tobias Kersloot plays the leading role, other roles are for Daan Buringa, QiQi van Boheemen, Hadewych Minis, Janni Goslinga, Ramses van Hall, Rogier Schippers and Abbie Chalgoum.

The book tells the story of Fransje Hermans, who loses his ability to speak after an accident and ends up in a wheelchair. His life seems over until he meets Joe Speedboot. The novel has sold almost half a million copies.