Keetje

Name: Keetje
Author: Neel Doff

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About This Book

The narrative follows a young working-class woman who turns to prostitution to feed her family, portraying her conflicted shame and anger toward the mother who both accompanies and cares for her. Episodes trace street solicitation, the mechanical intimacy of encounters, and the physical toll of wearing borrowed finery, alongside small domestic rituals such as shared meals and card-reading. Realist scenes emphasize economic desperation, gendered vulnerability, and the uneasy mixture of maternal devotion and humiliation that structures daily survival.

About the Author

Neel Doff

Neel Doff was a Belgian author known for her poignant explorations of social issues and the human condition. Writing primarily in French, she gained recognition for her novels that often reflect her own experiences and the struggles of women in society. Her notable works include "Angelinette," which delves into themes of love and loss, and "Jours de famine et de détresse: roman," a narrative that addresses the harsh realities of poverty. Doff's writing is characterized by its emotional depth and a keen observation of the societal challenges of her time, making her a significant figure in early 20th-century literature.

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