Lale Gül

Lale Gül is a Dutch-Turkish writer and columnist. She is best known for her debut novel, Ik ga leven ("I'm Going to Live"), published in 2021. The semi-autobiographical novel details her upbringing in a strict Islamic environment in Amsterdam and her subsequent break from that community to pursue her own path and education.

Gül's book generated significant controversy in the Netherlands, attracting both praise for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young people caught between traditional and modern values, and criticism, including threats and condemnation from some within the Dutch-Turkish community who viewed it as a betrayal of their culture and faith.

Following the publication of Ik ga leven, Gül has continued to write and speak publicly about issues related to integration, freedom of speech, and the challenges faced by individuals seeking to reconcile their cultural heritage with their personal aspirations. She has become a prominent voice in Dutch public discourse on these topics.