paroolSep 10, 2026, 08:16

Can grieving parents Laurel and Eli save their son in Chloe Benjamin’s ‘duoversum’?

In Chloe Benjamin's novel Onderstroom, grieving parents Laurel and Eli reunite at an Antarctic research station to investigate a mysterious portal that may offer a chance to prevent their son's death. The story blends scientific theory with an emotional exploration of loss as the couple navigates a parallel universe where time flows backward.

In her new novel Onderstroom, author Chloe Benjamin explores the lives of Laurel Salter and her ex-husband Eli Rosen, who are brought together at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Laurel, a former mycologist, has taken a job as a dishwasher to escape the grief of losing her young son, Silas, in a tragic drowning accident. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a mysterious atmospheric phenomenon known as the Arcusboog appears, serving as a portal to an anti-universe where time flows in reverse.

Eli, a physicist, theorizes that this gateway could allow them to reach an alternate dimension and save Silas from his fate. As the couple embarks on this dangerous scientific mission, they must navigate the complexities of their shared trauma and fractured relationship. Benjamin combines intricate concepts regarding theoretical physics and natural science with a deeply human story about parental loss and the possibility of redemption, ultimately delivering an inventive take on the classic time-travel narrative.

Culture

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Either Zwarte Piet or we’re out: The Sinterklaasjournaal almost went under

Het Sinterklaasjournaal has been a consistent Dutch television tradition for twenty-five years, though it has faced significant pressure and near-cancellation due to the ongoing Zwarte Piet controversy. The creator of the program describes the annual process as an intense experience that has defined their professional life for over two decades.

At Queer Tattoo Fest in De Hallen, you are the norm instead of the exception

De Hallen in Amsterdam is hosting the second edition of the Queer Tattoo Fest this weekend, drawing hundreds of participants from around the world. The event aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment where queer individuals can receive tattoos from fellow members of the community.

Austrians find a natural partner in the beaver in the fight against drought

In Linz, Austria, volunteers are using imitation beaver dams to restore water levels and biodiversity in a stream affected by severe drought. Research suggests that the presence of beavers, who are making a comeback across Europe including in the Netherlands, provides crucial ecological benefits by retaining water and sequestering carbon.

K3 cancels performance: Hanne Verbruggen starts maternity leave early

K3 member Hanne Verbruggen has started her maternity leave earlier than planned, leading to the cancellation of an upcoming performance in Apeldoorn. Former member Klaasje Meijer will return to the group temporarily to replace Verbruggen during her absence.

'I studied, so it makes sense that I earn more': how fair is that really?

Political scientist and journalist Anouk Kootstra questions the fairness of the traditional belief that higher education and professional status inherently justify higher pay. She challenges the assumption that desk-based roles inherently require more effort or value than manual labor positions like mail delivery.