h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Interesting to see how the system dysfunctions (I was going to say 'works' but decided against it)

The average Dutch 'literature' writer needs to have been raised in poverty with plenty of trauma to get some writers-credit and to even get on the secondary school reading list. (references to the smell of overly boiled Brussels sprouts in anything autobiographical are a prime requisite, awkward sex is seen as a bonus and will increase the risk of a film dramatically). Given that they then do earn a living with their high-brow gallivanting brings me to the conclusion that it can't be a hereditary job (their kids do not grow up in poverty).

Just checked and an estimated 170 authors can make a living out of just writing in The Netherlands (on a population of 18 million). This includes guidebooks and cook books. (They didn't say anything about Brussels sprouts in cook books though).

I am familiar with Dutch film, being a fan of Verhoeven and Rutger Hauer. I have only to mention 'Turkish Delight' for Elektra to start laughing. I don't remember Brussels sprouts in there, but I DO remember beets...

Our novel tastes in nederlandse literature, however, are lower-brow and mostly involve Jan Willem van de Wetering. I'll bet those authors sell books in Capetown, though, too.