The novel “The Sorrow of Belgium” by Hugo Claus tells the story of a young boy named Louis growing up in Belgium during World War II. It follows his life in a small town, his experiences at a strict Catholic school, and the impact of the war on his family and community.
The book explores themes of identity and the complexities of Belgium’s political landscape during the Nazi occupation. Louis’s coming-of-age journey is set against the backdrop of a country caught in turmoil, offering a vivid glimpse of history through a personal lens.
“A Dog of Flanders” by Ouida tells the story of a poor boy named Nello and his loyal dog, Patrasche, in 19th-century Belgium.
Nello dreams of becoming an artist, inspired by the masterpieces of Rubens, and hopes for a better life despite hardships and the cold indifference of the world around him.
The bond between the boy and his dog carries them through challenges, poverty, and their longing for love and recognition. The book captures the struggles of their lives in a small village near Antwerp.
Willem Elsschot wrote “Kaas (Cheese),” a short novel about an office clerk named Frans Laarmans who gets the chance to become a cheese distributor. Frans, unsure of himself and overwhelmed by the world of business, finds his new career more difficult than he imagined.
The story follows his awkward attempts to manage thousands of wheels of cheese, his strained relationships, and his growing self-doubt in a way that’s both funny and tragic. It paints a vivid picture of everyday struggles and what happens when ambitions clash with reality.
Georges Simenon’s “Maigret at the Gai-Moulin” follows Inspector Maigret as he investigates a murder at a nightclub in Liège. The story begins when two teenage boys break into the club after hours, only to find a dead body inside.
What seems like a simple case turns into something much more complicated as Maigret uncovers secrets about the victim, the staff, and the club’s clientele. The book captures the atmosphere of the city and the shadowy world of its nightlife.
The book “The Lion of Flanders” by Hendrik Conscience tells the story of the Flemish fight for independence during the 14th century. It follows the resistance of a group of Flemish soldiers against French oppression, led by Robert of Bethune, the titular “Lion of Flanders.”
The novel paints vivid scenes of medieval battles and explores the pride and determination of a people defending their homeland.
The book “The Crime of Inspector Maigret” by Georges Simenon follows the famous detective as he investigates the death of a man found in a fancy Parisian hotel with ties to Belgium.
Maigret travels to Belgium to untangle the mystery, uncovering the victim’s history in a quiet provincial town. The story unfolds with Maigret piecing together fragments of the man’s hidden life, revealing unexpected secrets along the way.
“The Heiress of Bruges” by Thomas Colley Grattan is a historical novel set in medieval Belgium. It tells the story of Adelaide, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose life becomes intertwined with political turmoil and family secrets.
The novel captures the atmosphere of Bruges, with its bustling marketplaces and the power struggles that shaped the era. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition drive the story forward as Adelaide faces challenges that test her strength and courage.
The book “De vulgaire geschiedenis van Charelke Dop” by Ernest Claes tells the story of a mischievous yet charming farmer named Charelke Dop, whose antics often get him into trouble.
Set in rural Belgium, it paints a lively picture of village life, filled with humor and colorful characters. Charelke is a man who struggles with his vices and dreams of a better life, and his misadventures make for an entertaining glimpse into his world.
“War and Turpentine” by Stefan Hertmans is based on the life of the author’s grandfather, a man shaped by war and art. It moves between his experiences as a soldier during World War I and his quieter moments as a painter afterward.
The story captures the contrast between the horrors of the trenches and his pursuit of beauty through art. Through the grandfather’s notebooks, Hertmans explores his journey, offering glimpses into a life marked by loss, resilience, and creativity.
The book “The Abyss” by Marguerite Yourcenar follows the life of Zeno, a physician and philosopher caught between science, religion, and the tumult of 16th-century Europe. It captures his relentless pursuit of knowledge, his run-ins with societal norms, and his inner struggles.
Set against a vivid historical backdrop, the story intertwines Zeno’s personal discoveries with the turbulence of the era, giving a glimpse of a man ahead of his time.
The book “The Man Who Had His Hair Cut Short” by Johan Daisne tells the story of a teacher who becomes deeply infatuated with one of his students. After deciding to leave his profession, he gets his hair cut as a symbolic break from his old life.
As he moves on, his journey is filled with a mix of obsession and inner conflicts, reflecting the weight of his unspoken feelings.
Set against the backdrop of Belgium, the narrative combines the ordinary with moments of surrealism, creating a strange, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
“Nothing Was All He Said” by Nic Balthazar is a powerful story about the struggles of a bullied teenager named Ben. The book focuses on his life as he faces relentless harassment at school and feelings of isolation.
Ben, who has autism, finds solace in online gaming, where he creates a digital world as an escape. The story takes an emotional turn when he records a video message to shed light on his pain.
Balthazar gives readers a raw look into Ben’s mind, offering a thought-provoking perspective on loneliness and self-expression.
“Falling” by Anne Provoost is a novel about a teenage boy named Lucas who spends a summer in a Belgian village with his grandmother. He meets Caitlin, a girl he knows from his past, and becomes involved with Benoît, a stranger whose ideas are far from innocent.
Lucas finds himself caught between his own morals and the influence of others. The story explores loyalty and the pressures of fitting in.
“On Black Sisters Street” by Chika Unigwe tells the story of four women who leave their homes in Africa and end up working in Antwerp’s red-light district. Each of them has a unique past filled with struggles, hopes, and sacrifices.
Through their shared experiences, the book explores themes of migration, survival, and the pursuit of a better life. The story brings to life their individual journeys and how they intertwine in their search for freedom and dignity.
Brian Falkner’s “Battlesaurus: Rampage at Waterloo” offers a twist on history, imagining a world where the Battle of Waterloo takes a shocking turn with the presence of dinosaurs.
The story follows a young inventor, Willem, who discovers the French army’s secret weapon and faces the dangerous task of warning the Allied forces. Along the way, the book combines historical events with fascinating creatures, creating a unique version of the famous battle.