Letters from Genoa is the natural counterpart to La Superba. It takes place largely in its title city and discusses La Superba and how it was received. However, it is a completely different book. The fictional author from La Superba gives way to a character with the same name living in the barren, frightening place called reality. All letters are real and as far as possible, have actually been sent. In the letters, the writer reflects not only on his existence as a writer, on writing itself, on his youth in Rijswijk and his years at Leiden University, but also on events happening in the world. While writing the letters, a great love story unfolds that changes everything. The result is irritatingly sharp-witted, painfully funny and heart-wrenchingly honest.

“Top dog from the first to the last page.”

– The Post Online

“Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer exposes himself and many colleagues in a monumental, jam-packed book of letters. Brieven uit Genoa is shamelessly villainous, but at the same time animated and tender. And above all intelligently composed.”

– De Morgen

“Ilja, a rheumatic, droopy Labrador and relentless yapper in one titanic body. Ilja, the big, long-winded, golden boy hanging on the chandeliers of literature. Ilja, with all his love affairs collapsing under his cholesterol level, his passions and his disgust, his language that gushes out of any armour.”

– HUMO