Dutch physician and writer.
Brakman was the son of Hendrik Brakman (b. 17 June 1889, Terneuzen – 12 Nov 1967, Axel) and Maria Leuntje de Broekert (1 March 1896, Souburg – 22 Dec 1958, Den Haag). His father worked first at a shipyard, later as a customs and bank clerk.
After finishing the MULO school Brakman started working as a clerk. In the evening hours he prepared for higher education (HBS, 1945). Between 1945 and 1952 he studied Medicine at Leiden University. After finishing his military service (1953, Ede), he worked as a general practitioner and as physician in occupational medicine in the textile industry of Enschede (late 1957-1985).
Brakman debuted with autobiographical work in De Gids (1960). Between 1961 and 2004 he became a very productive writer of 51 novels, novella’s and some essays. In 1980 he got the prestigious PC Hooft award for his complete literary work.
He died 8 May 2008 at Boekelo.
Relations
In the summer of 1944 Brakman met his long-standing friend Nol Gregoor (10 Aug 1912, Den Haag – 15 May 2000, Doorn). Gregoor introduced Brakman in the world of literature and arts.
On 25 May 1952 Brakman married at Den Haag Daisy Josefine van Binnendijk (b. 26 April 1932, Den Haag). They got two children: Pauliene (24 Febr. 1953, Ede) and Steven (19 April 1957, Den Haag).
Link to Wikipedia