In this exclusive interview, Dutch author and playwright Christine Otten talks about her story “Soul Mates,” featured in the upcoming anthology Dutch Treats. Otten shares the chilling real-life inspiration behind the piece, how teaching writing in a Dutch prison has shaped her voice, and why she believes Amsterdam-Noord is the best-kept secret in The Netherlands.
She may not typically write crime fiction—but after reading this, you’ll wish she did more often.
Dutch Treats: Meet Christine Otten
• Tell our readers a little about yourself.
I am a full-time novelist and playwright. I live in Amsterdam-North, which is where my short story is set. I don’t usually write crime fiction, but I loved writing this story. It gave me a freedom that was new to me. In addition to my own writing, I’m a creative-writing coach for inmates in a Dutch prison. This is very inspiring, both to me and to the participants. I couldn’t have written my last two novels if not for my work in the prison.
• Where did the idea for “Soul Mates,” your contribution to Dutch Treats, come from?
I based the story on a real event in my neighborhood, where the owner of a Chinese fast-food restaurant was killed and found chopped to pieces in a dumpster. The rest of the story came from other stories I heard and from people I knew. I turned those elements into a serious—and sometimes funny—crime story that, though gruesome, gives an image of real life.
• What are some of your favorite books by American writers, and why do you like them?
I’ve always loved the work of Paul Auster. He inspired me because of his very human tone of voice and outlook on the world. I love the freedom in his writing. Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison was also a big influence, especially when I was working on my novel The Last Poets. She gave me insight on a deep human level into how oppression and self-hatred due to racism and exclusion is transferred within families.
• Do you have other work available in English?
The Last Poets, based on the lives of a legendary group of Afro-American poets from the Black Power era, has been translated into English. It was published in 2018 by World Editions.
• If American readers were to visit The Netherlands, what’s one thing you’d encourage them to see or do?
If you come to Amsterdam, please visit my part of town, Amsterdam-North. No kidding, if you want to see the real Amsterdam, come to Amsterdam-Noord! And be sure to rent a bicycle and get out of the big city. You’ll see such beauty: water, meadows, sailing ships, little villages … and if you go further, you’ll even find shops where they sell wooden shoes and cheese!
Preorder your copy (releases September 1, 2025).
Amsterdam Noord is a "best-kept secret" no longer! This is just why we need to read well-written stories and novels, such as this one, books from all over the world. Thank you.
Fascinating chat with this talented author.