Curator Rosie Goldsmith’s plan to bring six of the best Dutch-language authors to the UK for a tour of six cities over six nights always looked ambitious. But with most of the country blanketed in snow, the High Impact tour’s success seemed even more miraculous as it reached London for its sell-out grand finale.

Taking place at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill, the final leg of the tour lived up to its ‘High Impact’ billing. The audience were treated to readings from an incredible group of Dutch and Belgian writers, from the poet laureate Ramsey Nasr to the prize-winning travel writer Lieve Joris. The London event also included guest appearances from three of the UK’s finest authors: Deborah Moggach, David Mitchell and Tracy Chevalier, who ended the evening with a reading from The Girl with the Pearl Earing. All three writers have been inspired by Dutch culture and written on Dutch themes, and all three had high praise for the contemporary Low Countries literature showcased at The Tabernacle.

Judith Vanistendael, the only graphic novelist on the bill, took to the stage to discuss her work in the light of the evening’s theme, ‘the Dutch Golden Age’. She recalled being moved to tears by the paintings of Golden Age masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. On an evening otherwise dominated by the written and spoken word, Judith’s talk served as an important reminder of the power of the image. Frames from When David Lost His Voice and Dance by the Light of the Moon were projected behind her as she spoke eloquently of her inspirations and intentions.

The audience and guests were entertained throughout by musicians Eric Vloeimans and Tuur Floorizone, who made the combination of accordion and trumpet sound as improbably perfect (as David Michell put it) as Wensleydale and Christmas cake. Like the rest of the evening, it was an excellent reminder that we should open our eyes – and ears – to international culture. Judging by the talent on show at The Tabernacle, the Low Countries would be a good place to start.

The High Impact writers’ personal blogs are being published every day this week on the tour’s website.

A unique project presenting the very best of Dutch-language literature to the UK, HIGH IMPACT is bringing 6 top writers from Belgium and the Netherlands on a tour of 6 cities for 6 nights of readings and debates.

They are the Low Country literati: all prize-winners and bestsellers back home, all writing in Dutch, producing some of the most exciting literature in Europe – but not nearly as well known or read here in the UK. Now for the first time, and in a unique collaboration, 6 of the best Dutch-language storytellers are coming together for a tour of 6 English cities – to perform for us and to discover what they may (or may not!) have in common.

Curated by Rosie Goldsmith, known in the UK as a champion of international fiction, HIGH IMPACT is a unique idea with a unique group of writers. You’ll hear the Dutch Poet Laureate side by side with Belgium’s leading graphic novelist, two global bestsellers, a thriller writer, a celebrated historian and a travel writer, together on stage every night. Selected from across Flanders and the Netherlands not only for their brilliant books but also for their wit, wisdom, fluent English and performance skills, they’ll wow you with their readings and ideas. Each night a different city, a different theme, a different type of venue. The tour ends with a final gala gathering in London and a performance alongside English literati including David Mitchell (The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet), Tracy Chevalier (The Girl With The Pearl Earring) and Deborah Moggach (Tulip Fever).

Running from 14–19 January 2013, HIGH IMPACT features SelfMadeHero’s very own Judith Vanistendael, ground-breaking author of Dance by the Light of the Moon (2010, translated by Ina Rilke) and When David Lost His Voice (2012, translated by Nora Mahony).

Judith will be appearing alongside Lieve Joris, Herman Koch, Ramsey Nasr, Peter Terrin and Chika Unigwe, showcasing the best literature from Flanders and the Netherlands in English translation.

Tour dates

Monday 14 January, Oxford: Blackwell’s Bookshop.
Tuesday 15 January, Birmingham: The Anglican Cathedral, with Writing West Midlands.
Wednesday 16 January, Liverpool: The Epstein Theatre.
Thursday 17 January, Sheffield: St George’s Church Lecture Theatre, with the University of Sheffield.
Friday 18 January, Norwich: Norwich Arts Centre.
Saturday 19 January, London: The Tabernacle.

Praise for Judith Vanistendael’s When David Lost His Voice:

“The final moments are big, bleak, brilliant and stark.” Rosie Blau, The Economist

“This is an amazing book, one of the best published by SelfMadeHero so far.” Rachel Cooke, The Observer