‘Out of the picture’ tells the story of the father of Simone Engelen who lost his job after twenty years of loyal service; a victim of a reorganisation. A fifty year-old left with frustrated feelings of futility and failure.
To make peace with the past and to restore faith in his own self-esteem, he decided to take time away from everything that was important to him. Away from his home, his family, friends and business relations. Out of sight for a while.
He went to Bali for two months in order to spend time in isolation to think and gain perspective. A time to become inspired and gather new energy.
During his time in Bali he kept a photo diary, parts of which are included in the book. Supplemented with e-mails to Simone and her photos of life continuing back home, ‘Out of the picture’ has become a personal and emotional document in which her father searches for answers. Perhaps it will help other people, in a similar situation, to realise that there is more to life than work.
‘I believe that my father’s unusual sabbatical shows a combination of courage and love. My parents’ unconditional trust in each other and a strong belief that – despite the setback – the will to survive will result in something positive.’
