New Book Explores the Wisdom of Women Through Personal Stories
A new book, Geef haar eens ongelijk (roughly translated as “Give Her a Chance”), co-authored by Marcel Musters and Pablo Cabenda, delves into the personal experiences and life lessons of a diverse group of women. Published on February 24, 2026, by J.M. Meulenhoff, the book features contributions from prominent figures like Lies Visschedijk, Aaf Brandt Corstius, Loes Luca, Hedy d’Ancona, Carice van Houten, and Adelheid Roosen. The project stems from Musters’ long-running podcast, “De 100 Vrouwen van Marcel” (“The 100 Women of Marcel”), where he regularly converses with women who have significantly impacted his life. The book aims to amplify voices often marginalized in a society traditionally structured around male perspectives.
Musters, an actor, theatermaker, and writer, has long valued the relationships he has cultivated with women. He has identified 100 women who hold a special place in his life, recognizing the profound wisdom he has gained from their experiences. These women represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds – young and old, well-known and lesser-known, those who assist in bringing new life into the world, and those displaced by conflict. The book, and the podcast before it, represent a deliberate effort to provide a platform for these voices and share their insights. Musters won a Golden Calf award in 2019 for his role in the film God only knows, and recently founded Huis Mus, a creative collective focused on interdisciplinary collaboration. He discussed the book and his creative process in a recent interview on NPO Luister’s “Nooit meer slapen” podcast.
From Podcast to Pages: Expanding the Conversation
The genesis of Geef haar eens ongelijk lies in Musters’ podcast series. The podcast, and now the book, provide a space for these women to share their most personal experiences and offer their unique perspectives on life. The intention is to create a work that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, offering readers opportunities to laugh, cry, wonder, and learn. Journalist Pablo Cabenda, who writes about pop music, art, and culture for the Volkskrant, collaborated with Musters on the book, bringing his expertise in interviewing and storytelling to the project. Cabenda previously explored the intersection of the internet and sexuality with his “Publiek Geheim” series of interviews and articles.
The book is available in paperback, priced at €22.99, and as an ebook. Meulenhoff Publishers is currently accepting pre-orders for both formats, with the official release date coinciding with the publication date of February 24, 2026. The paperback edition has 256 pages and measures 217 x 142 x 21 mm.
A Focus on Diverse Experiences and Life Wisdom
Geef haar eens ongelijk isn’t simply a collection of celebrity anecdotes. The book aims to showcase the breadth and depth of female experience, encompassing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and life paths. The women featured represent diverse perspectives, offering insights into motherhood, displacement, and navigating a world often designed with male norms in mind. The book’s structure allows each woman to speak directly to the reader, sharing her personal story and offering her unique wisdom.
Susan Visser, for example, shares her experiences in a chapter dedicated to her story, as highlighted by Linda.nl. This illustrates the deeply personal and emotionally resonant nature of the narratives within the book. The book promises to be a compelling read for anyone interested in hearing the stories of remarkable women and gaining insights into the complexities of life.
Win a Copy of Geef haar eens ongelijk
World Today Journal is offering readers the chance to win a copy of Geef haar eens ongelijk by Pablo Cabenda and Marcel Musters! To enter the competition, simply respond to the following question: What woman has had the biggest impact on your life, and what lesson did you learn from her?
Win boek Pablo Cabenda en Marcel Musters
(This competition closes on March 3, 2026)
The release of Geef haar eens ongelijk comes at a time when conversations surrounding gender equality and female empowerment are increasingly prominent. The book offers a valuable contribution to this dialogue, providing a platform for women to share their stories and challenge societal norms. It’s a timely and key work that is sure to resonate with readers around the world.
The book’s exploration of diverse female experiences aligns with broader cultural trends emphasizing the importance of representation and inclusivity. As audiences increasingly seek out stories that reflect the complexities of the human experience, Geef haar eens ongelijk offers a compelling and insightful contribution to the literary landscape.
Looking ahead, the success of Geef haar eens ongelijk could pave the way for further explorations of female voices and experiences in both literature and podcasting. The collaboration between Musters and Cabenda demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary storytelling and the potential for creative projects to spark meaningful conversations.
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