The Greatest Beneluxian Literature
This selection of Beneluxian literature encompasses all literary forms, genres and periods. It includes works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, and around the world.
The Greatest Beneluxian Literature focuses on the region's major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, long poetry and collections.
You may also be interested in The Greatest French Literature or The Greatest Swiss Literature.
This list is updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the revision date when citing the list.
Latest update: August 23, 2024
The 33 greatest works of Beneluxian literature
1290
Codex Mariendalensis
by Brother Hermann von Veldenz, Luxembourg
Epic poem
1838
The Lion of Flanders
by Hendrik Conscience, Belgium
Novel
1860
Max Havelaar
by Multatuli, Netherlands
Novel
1872
Reynard the Fox / Rénert the Fox
by Michel Rodange, Luxembourg
Epic poem
1887
Quest, The
by Frederik van Eeden, Netherlands
Novel
1889
Eline Vere
by Louis Couperus, Netherlands
Novel
1892
Pelleas and Melisande
by Maurice Maeterlinck, Belgium
Play
1916
Pallieter
by Felix Timmermans, Belgium
Novel
1931
Peter the Lett
by Georges Simenon, Belgium
Novel
1932
The Forbidden Realm,
by J. Slauerhoff, Netherlands
Novel
1933
Cheese
by Willem Elsschot, Belgium
Novel
1936
Blue Lotus
by Hergé (Georges Prosper Remi), Belgium
graphic novel
1946
Blake and Mortimer
by Edgar P. Jacobs, Belgium
Graphic novel series
1948
The Snow Was Dirty
by Georges Simenon, Belgium
Novel
1949
Forever a Stranger
by Hella Haasse, Netherlands
Novel
My Friend Maigret
by Georges Simenon, Belgium
1951
Memoirs of Hadrian
by Marguerite Yourcenar, Belgium
Novel, originally Mémoires d'Hadrien
1957
The Deadbeats
by Ward Ruyslinck, Belgium
Novel
1965
The Garden Where the Brass Band Played
by Simon Vestdijk, Netherlands
Novel
1970
Maigret and the Madwoman
by Georges Simenon, Belgium
Novel
1979
Return to Oegstgeest
by Jan Wolkers, Netherlands
Novel
The Maine Massacre
by Janwillem van der Westering, Netherlands
Novel
1980
Smell of Sadness, The
by Alfred Kossmann, Netherlands
Novel
Rituals
by Cees Nooteboom, Netherlands
Novel
1983
Sorrow of Belgium, The
by Hugo Claus, Belgium
Novel
Gimmick!
by Joost Zwagerman, Netherlands
Novel
1991
The Laws
by Conny Palmen, Netherlands
Novel
1992
Discovery of Heaven
by Harry Mulisch, Netherlands
Novel
1993
The Twins
by Tessa de Loo, Netherlands
Novel
1997
Margot and the Angels
by Kristien Hemmerechts, Belgium
Novel
1998
All Souls Day
by Cees Nooteboom, Netherlands
Novel
1999
Fear and Trembling
by Amélie Nothomb, Belgium
Novel
2006
The Twin
by Gerbrand Bakker, Netherlands
Novel
