Alma Mathijsen is an accomplished writer with five novels, a novella, and a collection of short stories to her name. Her work has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Libris Literatuurprijs. Her latest novel, Onderland (2024), explores a country that only reveals itself to those who understand the reality of sexual violence. In this strange realm, nightmares roam freely, and nothing remains hidden.

This inaugural edition (Season 1, Episode 1) focuses on Alma Mathijsen’s book Onderland, which explores fictionalized stories of individuals who experienced sexual abuse during adolescence. This salon is part of the “Wearable Memories” initiative, supported by AFK, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst.

​”Wearable Memories” aims to shed light on childhood sexual abuse by sharing real stories from survivors and perpetrators, encouraging others to share their experiences.

​In Onderland, Alma Mathijsen collaborated with nine individuals, including Papa Oyeyemi, who, like her, experienced sexual abuse. The novel reveals the hidden coping mechanisms they developed over the years.