Book Review - Twee Prinsen by Splinter Chabot

Title: Twee Prinsen
Author: Splinter Chabot
Genre: Fiction/ LGBTQ+/ Romance
Published: 2026
 
Description: When Richard flees to colorful, sunny Rome, he meets the angelic Matteo. As the twenty-somethings explore the city and get to know each other, Richard tries to come to terms with his past.
 
Freed from his strict conservative parents and the drab countryside, Richard seems afraid of nothing and no one, but his toughness soon turns out to be a pose, a shield with which he tries to hide his insecurities. It is the love of the playful, sensual Matteo that helps him overcome his fears.
 
For a short time, Rome is heaven on earth, until Richard and Matteo must hide there too from the stares, opinions, and fists of others. This time, Richard won’t let it go.
 
Review: “Twee Prinsen” (Two Princes) is the new novel by Dutch author Splinter Chabot (not translated into English). It’s a must-read for anyone who loves stories that go straight to the heart.
 
We meet Richard, who grows up in a conservative, religious family. At a young age, he realizes he is gay. We follow the story of him as a young boy in a strict family, and of him as a twenty-something in a romance with Matteo in Rome.
 
Splinter Chabot has a unique gift for creating, through his enchanting writing style, a world that feels both relatable and magical. Every sentence reads like a painting; it is so colorful, vulnerable, and written with passion.
 
What makes this book so powerful is its beautiful portrayal of LGTBTQ+ themes. Chabot captures the uncertainty, the euphoria, and the pure essence of the search for oneself and love for another with integrity. The story of the two princes is not just a fairy tale, but an important ode to the freedom to be who you are and to love whom you choose.
 
A beautiful, hopeful book that will linger in your mind for a long time. And that will definitely make you cry.
 
Rating: 5/ 5