Maite Karssenberg wins Libris History Prize with book about 19th-century freethinker

Maite Karssenberg has won the Libris Geschiedenis Prijs for her biography "Dubbelleven" about Geertruida Kapteyn-Muysken, highlighting women's ambition and intellectual development in the 19th century. The jury praised the book for showcasing how an unknown figure can yield a remarkable biography. Karssenberg discovered Kapteyn-Muysken's story through an old letter collection and describes her as a woman striving for knowledge in a male-dominated society. The biography intertwines Karssenberg's own journey with that of her subject, emphasizing the significance of women's roles in history. The award includes a €20,000 prize, with other notable works shortlisted.