Sun People and Moon People
Evocatively and poetically written, Sun People an Moon People shows how language can offer shelter to us all, a home for the many tales of our secret or hidden lives. Xillan Macrooy lays bare the fears and desires of a young Black queer man.
Martijn Prins
m.prins@singeluitgeverijen.nl
The novel tells the story of Lanny, a Surinamese boy struggling with his identity and sexuality. Lanny grows up with his twin brother in Paramaribo. The boys are talented; they are visual artists and earn fame as a singing duo. But as they become older, Lanny gradually withdraws deeper and deeper into the lunar side of life: he doesn’t believe he is a sun.
When the true meaning of the feelings he harbours for his best friend dawns on him, he enters a period in which everything feels worthless: music, the once all-consuming freedom of being a child, and even his bond with his twin brother.
This story stands out thanks to its rich, sensorial and relentless stream of prose, poetry, diary excerpts and dialogues. Xillan’s writing style immerses the reader in the many worlds inhabited by the character: from the hammock under the mango tree by the blue house to his first date in the cold and bleak Netherlands. This book details the wonderful and complex journey of an unforgettable character.
A unique voice: Sranan Tongo, Surinamese Dutch and Standard Dutch woven together
From Paramaribo to Amsterdam: a queer Black boy finds his place in the world
432 pages of poetry, prose, diary and dialogue — a world unto itself
Xillan Macrooy tells this coming-of-age story in a soaring, uncompromising and sure-footed way. The narrative drive bursts from every page. Macrooy instantly evokes smells, colours, feelings — and what a generous talent he is.
NRC
Macrooy paints a colourful and deeply insightful story that offers a sensorial experience of life as a queer Surinamese boy growing up in Paramaribo. Sun People and Moon People is an impressive and poetic debut whose legacy will continue to resonate for some time yet.
Boekenkrant
Utterly thrilling, exciting and sensual writing. What a joy to hear such a fresh Surinamese voice in modern Dutch literature!
Hebban
I want people to understand just how special this book is. It is a watershed moment.’
Raoul de Jong
