Nynke van Hichtum
The importance of Nynke van Hichtum is still evident today. This is illustrated by a work of art in Nes, the Frisian village where she was born in 1860, a clergyman’s daughter; a statue of Afke with her ten children in Warga (Friesland).
The internationally praised film Nynke (2001, Pieter Verhoeff) about Van Hichtum’s failed marriage to Pieter Jelles Troelstra, the renowned leader of the Dutch social-democratic workers’ party; the two-yearly ‘Nienke van Hichtumprijs’; and Aukje Holtrop’s fascinating biography (2005). In addition to writing ‘Frisian stories’, Van Hichtum adapted many folktales from different cultures and was a leading reviewer of children’s books, calling for good style, beautiful form, easy accessibility and inspiring content, for adults as well. Van Hichtum kept on publishing until the year of her death (1939). Her oeuvre, with Afke’s tiental as its high point, will last for centuries.