For anyone who has ever lived in Bedum or knows the surrounding area, this book is a true journey of discovery through familiar streets, squares, and memories. The book refers to the village as “Dedum,” but for the attentive reader, it’s clear: this is Bedum, captured in words, emotions, and childhood memories.

The story follows a boy growing up in Dedum, in a seemingly ordinary family. But after the loss of his mother, everything changes. A new woman enters the family—his stepmother—who quickly becomes a true tyrant. The boy, who struggles to survive in his own home for years, is eventually removed from the family home.

What follows is a journey not only geographical but also emotional. He ends up in Groningen, and later also in Drachten. Along the way, he passes countless recognizable places: from familiar squares to typical streetscapes, from old buildings to familiar landscapes that any Groninger or Frisian will recognize.

Why read this book (in Dutch)?
This book is more than an autobiographical story. It’s a tribute to resilience.