If you’ve never heard of books like “1984” by George Orwell or “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, it might be about time to dig deeper into your reading list! But in our International book series, we’d like to go through books initially written in other languages that have made an international, significant cultural, or artistic impact. These Dutch books are considered a gem in their home country and have gained international recognition. These books from the Netherlands are all available in English, so you can easily add them to your reading list.
“Max Havelaar” by Multatuli (1860)
“Max Havelaar” is perhaps the most intriguing Dutch book of all time, and sparked major changes in colonialism in the Netherlands and internationally. The book was written by Eduard Douwes Dekker under the pen name Multatuli. He chose the pseudonym Multatuli because it means ‘I suffered a lot’. This is a big nod to the contents of the book published in 1860. The sharp criticism of colonial practices by the Netherlands in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) quickly made the book famous. Criticism of colonialism was unique at the time. What makes “Max Havelaar” even more remarkable is its narrative structure. The book has several layers and narrative perspectives, including letters, reports, and testimonies. Multatuli used this structure to properly illuminate the different perspectives and voices involved in the situation in the Dutch East Indies.
Story and Plot:
The book is about Max Havelaar, a Dutch civil servant stationed in Lebak, Indonesia. Havelaar is determined to protect the local population from exploitation and mistreatment by Dutch colonial officials and local rulers. He does this by tackling corruption and greedy practices of fellow officials.
The impact of this book:
There was a significant impact on Dutch society and politics due to the publication of “Max Havelaar”. It led to a significant debate on colonial politics and ethics. Public outrage over practices in the then-Dutch East Indies sparked a new Dutch colonial policy. The book also had a major international impact and was translated into 70 languages. It inspired writers and activists, contributed to the wider movement for decolonization, and the recognition of the rights and dignity of indigenous people worldwide. Because of the writing style, the book is still remarkable, exciting, and absolutely delightful to read.
“The Evenings” by Gerard Reve (1947)
“The Evenings” is considered a classic and must-read in Dutch literature. It describes the main character, Frits van Egters’s loneliness, and boredom at Christmas soon after WWII. It’s not odd to recognize similarities with quarantining during the Corona pandemic. The emptiness of suburban life in postwar Amsterdam turns this story into a hilariously dark comedy. Instead of focussing on Dutch collaborationism post-war, the main character prefers to avoid this “inconvenient” time, as he’s trying to survive Christmas with his parents. Being a teenager in an occupied country must have felt like your life has been stalled by circumstances you can’t do much about. A different perspective on moving forward after the war.
Story and plot:
Frits is in his twenties, young, and lives in Amsterdam. In the book, you follow him for ten evenings. The book shows Frits’ thoughts, conversations and inner monologues, marked by boredom, anxiety and existential doubt. The story is full of disillusionment and melancholy. Dutch realism and directness, similar to Gen Z characteristics, and triggering dialogue.
The impact of this book
Although “The Evenings” was mainly popular in the Netherlands but has garnered much international recognition as a great example of the literary legacy. It’s considered a shining beacon of post-war European literature, a true example of existentialism.
“The diary of a young girl” Anne Frank (1947)
“The diary of a young girl” must be the most famous diary in the world. Anne Frank wrote her diary whilst in hiding in Amsterdam during WWII. Her diary gives a poignant insight into the daily life of Anne. It’s a powerful account of hiding in a big city under complete Nazi control.
Reading Anne’s diary makes you feel like you’re travelling through, thanks to her grasping writing style.
Story and plot
Anne Frank’s diary shows you the moment she goes into hiding with her family. The developing relations with her fellow members in hiding, the fears of being discovered, the desire to live like a teenager, and the moment she falls in love. You feel like you’re standing right behind a teenage girl slowly becoming a woman in a chaotic world she has to experience in a small, enclosed space.
The impact of this book
“The Diary of a Young Girl” has become a symbol of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the power of survival and maintaining a strong spirit. It serves as a beacon of hope. It’s one of the most-read war books in history. The fact that Anne Frank passed away during the war gives it a bittersweet ending. Her personal diary was published by her father, the only surviving member of the family. In a way it’s what kept his family alive after perishing so terribly. If you ever visit the Netherlands, we advise you to visit the Anne Frank Museum, where you can visit the attic where she was hiding. If you read Anne Frank’s diary before visiting, it will make everything feel even more vivid.
