Manja Croiset

Interviewing M. Croiset during the opening of library store, 12, 09, 2012

Manja Croiset (5 July 1946, Amsterdam – January 2022, Hoogland (Amersfoort) ) is a Dutch poet, writer and recitation artist.

Biography Croiset was born on 5 July 1946, in Amsterdam. She is a second generation Shoah victim, the daughter of Shoah survivors, and youngest of three daughters. The family members of her mother, Paula Kool (March 11, 1918 – May 11, 2012), were murdered in The Holocaust. Her father, (April 24, 1915 – November 18, 2011), son of Hijman Croiset, survived several Nazi concentration camps because of illegal printing practices including printing of Het Parool. Manja is also a cousin of and Jules Croiset.

Early life and education After elementary school Manja attended Barlaeus Gymnasium, but was admitted into a psychiatric hospital at an early age. She worked at the Leidsch Dagblad, a Dutch newspaper, for nine years.

Writing career

Croiset started her career later in life, but wrote numerous books in a short period. Her work has some philosophical aspect. She also creates 'Manjaphorisms and other puns. The reoccurring subject lines in her books are about being a second generation Shoah victim and her life in the many different psychiatric institutions.

In 2009 she received the Elikser award and certificate from her publisher. This was the first time the prize was awarded.