Literary Conversation: Writing Words and Writing Beyond the ‘Limits’ of the Body

One of the common approaches to exploring literary works is by delving into the author’s biography. What inspired the writer to craft their story? How do they view life on a broader scale, and what are their literary perspectives? When it comes to disabled authors, they are often approached through stereotypical narratives such as overcoming adversity or the role of literature as a “healing remedy.” These stereotypes can constrain authors and, at the same time, limit the understanding of literature created by disabled writers.

Within the framework of the event “Writing From and Beyond the ‘Limits’ of the Body”, two authors from the Netherlands and Vietnam, Eva Eikhout and Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa, will reflect on their literary journeys, their views on literature, and how bodily and cultural experiences influence their literary perspectives. For them, the experience of being disabled may not necessarily be an obstacle to overcome in their literary pursuits. Instead, it can serve as a source of inspiration, offering a unique perspective on the world—a perspective reflected in the works of both Eva Eikhout and Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa.

Speakers

Eva Eikhout
Eva Eikhout is a Dutch program producer and presenter for the media organization BNNVARA, as well as an event facilitator and inspirational speaker. She has been a TEDxTalks speaker in both 2016 and 2023 and has extensive experience moderating events organized by companies, ministries, cities, RadboudUMC Medical Center, and Rabobank Rijk van Nijmegen. In the spring of 2024, her debut book, “This Is Not a Book by a Girl Without Arms & Legs”, was published. Eva also writes weekly columns for various magazines, apps, and social media platforms in the Netherlands and has worked as a guest editor.

With humor, Eva shares her experiences of living in a world designed for people with complete limbs. Through everyday situations, she captivates audiences with stories about flexibility, adaptability, and daily challenges. Without pointing fingers (because she has none) or comparing herself to others (which she sees as futile), Eva helps audiences reflect on themselves. Everyone encounters limits, whether internal or external. What matters is fighting the environment and becoming friends with yourself—Eva Eikhout.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa
Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa is a writer from the “mini desert” region of Ninh Thuận, Vietnam. She began writing at the age of 25, focusing largely on stories about women and children. To date, she has published 15 books, including eight for children, and has won several literary awards. Some of her works have been included in school curriculums. She continues to use literature to live many lives within one lifetime.

Moderator

Quyên Nguyễn
Quyên Nguyễn holds a Ph.D. in English literature and is an independent researcher and critic. She is a translator from English to Vietnamese, with published works including What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver (co-translator), Atonement by Ian McEwan, and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. She is also the co-founder of the non-profit literary website Zzz Review in Vietnam.