The novel is about a Christian farming family in the Dutch countryside, where the son is injured during a skating trip. The main character, the ten-year-old Jas, has wanted the life out of his brother and is convinced that she bears the blame.
The novel has become a bestseller in its home country. It was translated into English by Michele Hutchison and is published in Swedish translation by Tranan 2021.
Other nominees included Daniel Kehlmann with Tyll and Iranian author Shokoofeh Azar for The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree.
The winner is usually presented in May, but this year the nomination was postponed due to the corona pandemic.
The prize money of 50,000 pounds, over 600,000 Swedish kronor, in the international prize category is divided between author and translator.