Sander Kollaard (schrijver)

The Fourth Hand tells the story of Patrick Wallingford, a New York television journalist who becomes famous after his left hand is eaten by a lion during a live broadcast from India. Dr. Nicholas M. Zajac, a renowned hand surgeon, performs the nation's first hand transplant using the hand of Otto Clausen, whose widow, Doris, has her own motives for the donation. The novel delves into the complex relationships between Patrick, Doris, and Dr. Zajac, exploring themes of loss, grief, love, and the power of second chances. It is characteristic of John Irving's storytelling, blending humor, sexual shenanigans, and unexpected poignancy.

The novel follows the Berry family, comprising Win and Mary and their five children, as they navigate their lives through multiple hotels and various continents. The story begins with the parents' meeting at a summer resort in Maine and their subsequent decision to convert an abandoned girls' school into the Hotel New Hampshire. The family's journey is marked by eccentric characters, tragic events, and comedic situations, including encounters with bears, prostitutes, and radical communists in Vienna. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the complexities of human relationships, all told through the narrative voice of John Berry, the middle child.

Published in 1644, 'Areopagitica' is a prose polemic that defends the freedom of speech and expression. Milton argues against the Licensing Order of 1643, which required government approval for all published books. He contends that censorship is a tool of tyranny, ineffective in eradicating heresy or falsehood, and instead fuels curiosity and strengthens the desire for forbidden knowledge. Milton emphasizes the importance of open discourse and the pursuit of truth, using historical, philosophical, and practical arguments to support his stance. He also advocates for self-discipline among authors, urging them to ensure their works are morally responsible. Despite its immediate failure to repeal the licensing order, 'Areopagitica' has had a lasting influence on the literature of human rights and freedom of expression.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.