“Surrealistic, very special, incredible,” is how the proud Israel van Dorsten summarizes his nomination for the NS Audience Award with his book ‘We were, I am. Get out of Ruinerwold’. More than 130,000 copies sold, making his story considered a true bestseller.
In the book, Israel tells how his father Gerrit-Jan excluded him from the outside world for years. He grew up on a farm in Ruinerwold and became world news overnight when he left the farm and entered civilization.
“I am very pleased with how the story turned out. I have kept it very close to myself and have consciously chosen not to tell the stories of my other family members, because I think it is important that they can decide for themselves what they want to share and what not.”
The nomination is extra special because this week marks four years since Israel ran away from home. “That also crossed my mind. It is special to see how much has changed. For example, I am now studying Sociology, we won the Televizier-Ring with Jessica Villerius’ documentary about our youth, and of course I won the book written.”
“I notice that I now live such a different life that I sometimes doubt whether it all really happened,” he says with mild disbelief. “Then I think to myself: ‘Is this my story? Or did I dream this?’.”
During the writing of the book, Israel was still busy processing the events he experienced in his youth. He has now given it all a place. “I will never completely leave these things behind, but it no longer determines my life. That was the case before. It is now clear to me how I think about it and that gives me peace.”
On November 8, Israel will know whether he can receive the prestigious book prize and the associated prize money of 7,500 euros.