Gerbrand Bakker (b. 1962) studied Dutch language and literature and worked as a subtitler for nature films before becoming a gardener. His previous books include an etymological dictionary for children and the juvenile novel Perenbomen bloeien wit (Pear Trees Bloom White, 1999), which has been translated into German. Boven is het stil (It Is Silent Up There), his first adult novel, appeared in 2006 and has sold very well. The book was awarded the Golden Dog-Ear, a prize for the best-selling literary debut, and will be made into a film.