Manja Croiset



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, Odo Croiset (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 Hans Croiset 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.

Documentary
Dutch documentary maker Willy Lindwer made a 60-minute documentary about Manja Croiset's life, Manja – A Life Behind Invisible Bars. The movie made its debut in 2013 at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. After its debut, it was translated into English and released in the United States. Showed on Nationaal Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam April 2018 and is also in the collection of Yad Vashem included the autobiography with a Wink in the darkness. Introduced by a speech from the author.