Over 150.000 copies sold in the Netherlands and Germany

When Annetje Beets, born in 1888, dies at almost a hundred, it seems she has not achieved anything that would justify a biography. She lived in the shadow of those who were more important and successful than herself.

Annetje’s one great love, the young politician P.J. Oud, is already married when their paths cross again during the First World War. They nevertheless begin an ardent affair. When P.J. Oud became elected a Member of Parliament in 1917, there was no place for her in his life anymore. By default, she succumbs to the advances of her ex-lover’s father, moving in with him as his ‘housekeeper’. When at the end of the Second World War and father Oud is on his deathbed, Annetje’s future is his only concern. He persuades his friend, the famous retired singer Christiaan Mansborg, to marry Annetje after his passing. Unhappily, Annetje becomes Mrs Mansborg.

In Woman in the Wings, Dorinde Van Oort tells the incredible story of her great aunt, whose secrets and methods affected her family for generations to come.

‘Woman in the Shade reads like a thriller. But besides thrilling, the book is the tragic history of a woman without much grip on her life.’ – de Volkskrant

‘Like a true detective she unravels her family’s secrets. You want to keep on reading, till deep in the night, till the book is finished. Because it is beautiful.’ 
– Vrij Nederland

'A fascinating, animated and exciting family history.' – Opzij