Eva Hermans-Kroot's heart-wrenching story has gripped the Netherlands this week as her book, titled Longeneeslijk, remains at the top of the Bestseller 60 list for two consecutive weeks. The inspirational narrative not only captures her battle with terminal cancer but also serves as her legacy after her untimely passing at the age of 22.
Published by Spectrum, Longeneeslijk chronicles the young Tilburg woman's fight against stage-four lung cancer, which was diagnosed shortly after she turned 22. The book's impactful narrative has struck a chord with readers, solidifying its place on the bestseller list. According to the CPNB, the organization responsible for promoting reading across the Netherlands, the first list of the year 2025 closely mirrors the previous week's rankings, with Hermans-Kroot's book continuing to resonate with many.
Over the past year, Eva used her social media platform, particularly her Instagram page 'Longeneeslijk', to openly share her experiences and emotions as she navigated her life-threatening illness. Her candidness helped bring awareness to her condition, and many followers grew invested in her story. Despite knowing the life expectancy prognosis was not favorable, Eva's resilience shone through as she rejected the notion of surrendering to despair, instead choosing to inspire others.
On the last day of November 2024, Eva conducted one of her final interviews on the radio show Qmusic. Here, she emotionally expressed, "Ik kan niet meer" (I can’t do anymore), indicating the weight of her condition. Just one day later, she passed away, leaving behind her readers and followers to cherish her spirit.
Eva's impact was not confined to the written word. On January 2, 2025, she was featured posthumously on NPO1’s Over Mijn Lijk De Reünie, where she discussed her life, reflecting positively on her time. "Ik heb het goed gehad" (I have had it good), was her heartfelt sentiment during the show, highlighting her bravery and acceptance of her life, even amid tribulation.
The reunion episode, hosted by Tim Hofman, featured Eva’s loved ones and aimed to honor her memory, culminating with heartfelt discussions about the losses felt by those affected by her passing. Social media highlighted the emotional depth of these conversations, with viewers commenting on the powerful and haunting memories they shared about Eva.
Following her death, listeners remembered Eva fondly, with one follower expressing on Twitter, “Mooie om te zien Over Mijn Lijk Tim hofman met Eva” (Nice to see Tim Hofman with Eva). Such sentiments reflect how her life and the struggles she faced can resonate with the broader community, allowing others to process their grief and unite in remembrance.
Despite her passing, Eva Hermans-Kroot's legacy continues through her work, with Longeneeslijk remaining at the forefront of popular books, symbolizing hope and resilience. The weight of her story does not fade with her absence; instead, it encourages others to share their stories, fostering solidarity among those grappling with similar experiences.
Through her poignant reflections and inspiring approach to life's challenges, Eva Hermans-Kroot has left behind not only words on pages but also indelible impressions on the hearts of her readers. With her book still achieving significant sales, Eva's influence on both literature and her community remains impactful, driving conversation about health, hope, and the human spirit.
Eva Hermans-Kroot’s time on earth was marked by her bravery, and her enduring legacy serves as both a reminder of her fight and inspiration for countless others.