Discovering Dutch Authors and their Literary Works

Every country has its own unique literary heritage and the Netherlands is no exception. The country has a rich literary history with a long list of authors and books that have been written over the centuries. From recent authors such as Cees Nooteboom to Dutch classics like Multatuli, the Netherlands has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important Dutch authors, their works and how their writings have helped shape the literary landscape of the country.

Herman Heijermans

Herman Heijermans was one of the most important Dutch authors of the late 19th century. He was known for his stories, which often focused on the working class and their struggle to make ends meet. Heijermans was a champion of the working class and his books provided a stark contrast to the idealized middle-class values that prevailed at the time. Heijermans’ best known works are De geeske Geboorte (The Good-natured Child) and Onder de vele Ellenden (Among Many Miseries).
Yash Raut @ Unsplash

Multatuli Multatuli was a Dutch author from the mid-19th century. He was best known for his novel Max Havelaar, which depicted the plight of the Dutch colonized in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). This work was the first realistic portrayal of the horrific injustices and abuses suffered by the indigenous people of the region. It was a scathing indictment of the Dutch colonial system and it was a major influence on the anti-imperialist movement that swept Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Willem Kloos

Willem Kloos was a Dutch poet, critic and playwright. He was one of the first Dutch modernists and he helped to usher in a new era of literary experimentation and creativity in the Netherlands. Kloos wrote a number of influential works, including ‘Kleine Couplets’ (Little Couplets) and ‘Het Requiem’ (The Requiem). He was also a key member of the Dutch literary movement, De Tachtigers (The Eighties) which sought to challenge the traditional literary conventions of the time.

Cees Nooteboom

Cees Nooteboom is one of the most influential Dutch authors of the modern age. Nooteboom has published a great number of works, both fiction and non-fiction. His fiction is characterized by its surrealistic and dreamlike quality, which draws on his experiences and ideas of philosophy and literature. His works include Rijzende Ster/Rising Star and De Troost der Philosophie.

Nooteboom is also a masterful travel writer and his love for traveling can be seen in his works. His works often explore far-flung destinations, such as the Middle East, South America and the Far East. In his works, Nooteboom offers readers an intimate portrait of the places he visits.

Discovering Dutch Literature

From Herman Heijermans and Multatuli to Willem Kloos and Cees Nooteboom, the Dutch literary tradition is vast and diverse. These authors and their works offer an important insight into the history and culture of the Netherlands and they are still hugely popular and influential today. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s literary history or looking for some great reading material, there’s no shortage of wonderful Dutch authors and books to choose from.
Alberto Frías @ Unsplash