Akoya will publish Cardboard Boxes (Kartonnen Dozen) by acclaimed Belgian author Tom Lanoye in May 2027. Camilla Hagen acquired World English Language rights from Paul Sebes of Sebes & Bisseling Literary Agency with translation from Dutch (written in the Flemish dialect) into English by Jonathan Reeder.

Cardboard Boxes explores the coming-of-age experience of a gay teenager in small-city Flanders and has been praised for its experimental style that blends high literary quality with humour and nostalgia. The book was originally published by Uitgeverij Prometheus in 1991, and became a bestseller in Flanders and the Netherlands with over 200,000 copies sold. Tom Lanoye is one of Belgium’s most celebrated contemporary authors, known for his novels, poetry and theatre work, with Cardboard Boxes is currently being adapted for film in Flanders. Jonathan Reeder, whose translations have been longlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and highlighted by Sunday Times, will translate the memoir.

Camilla Hagen, Founder and Publisher of Akoya Publishing, says: ‘Cardboard Boxes is exceptionally poignant and immersive, prompting far-reaching reflections in readers. We are looking forward to sharing it with our audience in English in 2027.’