Connie Palmen (born 1955) became instantly famous with her first novel "De wetten" (The Laws, 1990) which turned into one of Holland’s greatest literary successes. It was translated in English, French, German, and Italian, among others. Her next two novels "De vriendschap" (The Friendship , 1995) and "I.M." (1998) also turned out to be bestsellers and were also translated and published in various languages. In addition to fiction Palmen, who has a degree in Dutch and philosophy, has also published two collections of essays: "Het weerzinwekkende lot van de oude filosoof Socrates" (The Revolting Fate of the Old Philosopher Socrates, 1992) and "Echt contact is niet de bedoeling" (Personal Contact Is Not Desired, 2000).