A short introduction to the Dutch literary scene

Owing to the Netherlands’ long-standing tradition of international trade and Dutch belonging to the ‘smaller’ European languages, Dutch readers are no strangers to reading literature in translation or even in other languages. Our proficiency in English, especially among the younger generation, has inclined us to prefer books in their original English and appreciate the nuances and subtleties that are lost in translation. Even then, our strong literary culture is apparent in the annual ‘Boekenweek’: a celebratory week that stands as a reminder of the Netherlands’ commitment to its own authors, language and literary tradition. Here I would like to offer a glimpse of what that literary tradition looks like.

Diving into the classics, Multatuli left an important mark with his magnum opus “Max Havelaar”. It criticized the Dutch colonial practices in Indonesia and challenged the status quo of its time but remains relevant, reminding us of the often-overlooked realities of the prospering West. Similarly, Anton de Kom gave us “We Slaves of Suriname”, a moving chronicle on colonial oppression and resistance. Another important figure is Louis Couperus, with his most notable debut ‘’Eline Veere’’. His rich prose transports readers to different times through the portrayal of a tragic female deviant strong enough to stand next to Emma Bovary and Lady Chatterly.

Transitioning to modern Dutch literature, Hella Haasse, the Grand Dame of Dutch literature, weaves the personal into the historical. A staple in Dutch literary education, ‘’Oeroeg’ is a tale about the friendship and the estrangement between the son of a plantation-owner and a local boy. Then there’s Harry Mulisch, renowned for his work “The Assault,” a novel that digs into the scars left by World War II on both the individual and the collective consciousness of the Dutch. An exploration of guilt, memory and vengeance is set in motion by the murder of a Nazi-collaborator. Meanwhile, Marga Minco offers an intimate look at the Holocaust’s shattering impact on Dutch Jewish families with “Bitter Herbs”, told in a sober style in the voice of a teenage girl. Another contemporary classic is the ‘’The Evenings’’ by Gerard Reve. This work embodies the post-war mood of Dutch society and captures, according to The Guardian, the ‘’emptiness of suburban life in postwar Amsterdam [that] makes for comedy of the highest order.’’

Our contemporary authors carry on the introspective trend and delve deep into the psyche of their characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and moral quandaries. Arnon Grunberg, whose whole oeuvre has been awarded the prestigious P.C Hooftprijs like many of the aforementioned writers, dissects characters with a keen and satirical eye through plots moving between sense and absurdity like he so craftly does in ‘’Good Men’’.

Karin Amamoetkrim’s autobiographical novel ‘The Gym’ offers insight into the complicated experiences within a multicultural society. The title is a contraction of “Gymnasium”, and refers to the highest and most elite variant of Dutch secondary education. It’s a novel about identity, belonging and expectation, but also about the weight and responsibility children with an immigrant background often carry.

In ‘’Antoinette’’, Robbert Welagen’s delicate prose and atmospheric narrative explores childlessness through the lens of a man. Even for a nation praised for being progressive, this is still quite unique. Jaap Robben, who started his writing career in children’s books is also establishing himself within fiction. His second novel ‘’Summer Coat’’ is an endearing portrait of brotherly love and the impossible tasks children are sometimes given of carrying the responsibilities belonging to adults.

Rodaan Al Galidi, who fled Iraq and arrived in the Netherlands in 1998 seeking asylum, adds a necessary narrative to understanding life in the Netherlands as an immigrant. The experience of refugees in the Netherlands who struggle through the often-criticised bureaucracy and eventually find their way into a new life that is both welcoming and hostile is central in his work in ‘Two Blankets, Three Sheets’ and ‘’Holland’’.

The future of Dutch literature is equally promising. Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s uneasy portrayal of grief in “The Discomfort of Evening”, winner of the 2020 International Booker Prize, marked the arrival of a powerful new voice. Much like the rest of the world, Dutch society is becoming increasingly aware of environmental concerns. Authors like Lieke Marsman and Peter Zantingh are offering stories that resonate with the urgency of climate change, the implications of our relationship with nature and how that affects personal life choices such as family planning.

I hope that this introductory list of prominent and promising authors invites the reader to discover the multicultural and multifaceted patchwork of Dutch literature that reflects modern European life.