Susan Smit Marks 25 Years in Literature with Terug naar Hildegard
Dutch author Susan Smit marks 25 years in the literary profession this month alongside the publication of her latest historical novel, Terug naar Hildegard. With a substantial bibliography established since her 2001 debut, Smit remains one of the Netherlands’ most prominent writers.
Born in 1974, Smit launched her career twenty-five years ago with Witch. De Brug Nijmegen noted that her subsequent works include bestsellers such as Gisèle, Tropical Bride, and The wisdom of the witch. Her novel The Witch of Limbricht earned a nomination for the NS Publieksprijs, while her 2024 release, The second half of your life, entered the Bestseller 60 chart at number one.
Dual Timelines in Back to Hildegard
Smit’s new novel, Back to Hildegard, alternates between twelfth-century Germany and the Netherlands of the late 1970s. In the historical narrative set in 1142, young noblewoman Richardis von Stade enters the nonnenklooster of Hildegard von Bingen, drawn to her knowledge of herbs, plants, and music. When Richardis discovers that Hildegard experiences mystical visions, she assists in recording them, bringing the two women into conflict with high church authorities who attempt to drive them apart.
The contemporary storyline follows Lies, a young woman raised in a strictly religious household who leaves her parents’ home in the late 1970s to study in Amsterdam. Seeking independence and new friendships, Lies continues to feel the heavy pressure of her upbringing until she discovers the Scivias, an ancient illustrated book by Hildegard von Bingen, in a library. Both women, living centuries apart, navigate their own paths within matters of faith.
Book Presentations and Public Events in Nijmegen
To celebrate the release, author Ivan Borghstijn will interview Susan Smit on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 15:30 at Dekker v.d. Vegt, located at Marikenstraat 29 in Nijmegen, according to De Brug Nijmegen. Following the interview, Smit will sign copies of her new book for attendees. Interested readers can register for the event via email at info@dekkervdvegt.nl or by phone at 024-3020130.
In addition to the Nijmegen presentation, MAX Vandaag hosted a promotional giveaway offering readers a chance to win a copy of Back to Hildegard through an online prize question running until October 29, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Novel
What historical figures are central to Susan Smit’s new book?
The novel centers on the twelfth-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen and her close companion Richardis von Stade, who aided in documenting Hildegard’s visions despite opposition from the Church.
How does the modern storyline connect to the historical plot?
The modern narrative follows a student named Lies who encounters Hildegard’s ancient illustrated text, the Scivias, in a library, finding personal insights that parallel her own struggles with religious upbringing.
Where can readers meet Susan Smit for a book signing?
Susan Smit will appear at Dekker v.d. Vegt in Nijmegen on Sunday, November 1, 2026, for an interview and signing session starting at 15:30.