The Letters and Emails to Peter Van Houten

The correspondence between Hazel, Augustus, and the reclusive author, leading to the Amsterdam invitation and eventual disappointment.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Augustus's Email

Augustus's Email The Contact Augustus finds Lidewij Vliegenthart's email and contacts Peter Van Houten. He receives a philosophical reply about the meaning of art. Sharing with Hazel Augustus reads the letter to Hazel. She is thrilled and immediately writes her own email. The Invitation Van Houten replies to Hazel, inviting her to Amsterdam. He says he cannot answer in writing but will in person.

Hazel's Email

Hazel's Email The Questions Hazel writes a long email asking about Anna's mother, the Dutch Tulip Man, and Sisyphus the Hamster. She pours her heart out. The Reply Van Houten replies, saying he cannot answer in writing but invites her to visit. He says she may see his grocery lists. The Hope Hazel is ecstatic. She begins planning the trip. This email is the catalyst for the Amsterdam adventure.

Spring, after reading An Imperial Affliction

After Augustus's email, spring