Joe and Me
Mireille Geus
Trim size: : 14,3 x 21,5 cm | 208 pages
It is Joe’s last masterful move: when he learns that his life is almost over, he takes his son Woelie on a long train trip. It will be a trip to get to know each other. It will be a trip to help Woelie get his act together. It will be a trip to say goodbye. We read the story from Woelie’s perspective. He starts writing the story of Joe and himself after Joe has died. He speaks directly to us, readers, and starts over and over again, searching for the right anecdote, the right beginning, and the right way to pay tribute to his father. Since his mother was admitted to a facility, Woelie and his father ran a typical male household. They were silent for more than they talked, but there was always an unconditional bond of trust and they enjoyed each other’s company in silence. Before Joe became ill, Woelie sat at home for months. At first he just stayed in because it was easier than going to school and explaining for the umpteenth time why he didn’t do his homework. But as time passed, he found it increasingly difficult to face the world outside. It didn’t really matter to Woelie, however; he liked his life in isolation. He filled his days watching RailAway over and over again, a DVD-series about train travels throughout Europe. Until tragedy struck. When Joe and Woelie start their memorable last RailAway tour of Europe, their bond becomes increasingly tighter — as their final parting comes rapidly closer.
Joe and Me
Young Adult
About the author
Mireille Geus, born in 1964 in Amsterdam, writes theatre plays for children and has written several texts for Sesamestreet. She teaches Creative Writing Skills in Amsterdam and works as an individual writing coach. Mireille Geus has written several books and was awarded the The Golden Slate Pen 2006 for BIG. This is the most prestigious award in Children’s Literature in The Netherlands.
