Nienke van Hichtum

Sjoukje Maria Diderika Troelstra-Bokma de Boer, better known under her pseudonym Nienke van Hichtum, was a well-known Frisian Dutch children's author and translator. Van Hichtum wrote books and stories in both West Frisian and Dutch.
The biennial Dutch literary award Nienke van Hichtum-prijs is named after her.
In 2001, the film Nynke, a historical drama about her life directed by Pieter Verhoeff, won the Golden Calf for best feature film and actress.

Early life and education

She was born in Nes to Albertus Minderts Bokma de Boer and Dieuwke Jans Klaasesz, the fifth and last daughter of a preacher.

Personal life

From 1888 to 1904, she was married to the socialist leader Pieter Jelles Troelstra. The couple had two children: a daughter, Dieuwke and a son, Jelle. Her son Jelle Troelstra was a painter.