Belgian literature facts for kids

Belgium is a country where people speak different languages. Because of this, Belgian literature is quite special! It includes books written in French, Dutch (also called Flemish), and even older regional languages like Walloon.

There's also a small group of people in Belgium who speak German. They have their own literature too, but it's not as widely known.

Belgian Literature in Dutch (Flemish)

Many famous Belgian writers have written in Dutch, which is often called Flemish in Belgium. Their stories and poems are a big part of Belgian culture.

Here are some important Flemish writers:

• Hendrik Conscience (1812 – 1883) is known for his historical novel The Lion of Flanders. This book helped people feel proud of their Flemish identity.
• Guido Gezelle (1830 – 1899) was a poet who often used the West Flemish dialect in his works.
• Cyriel Buysse (1859 – 1932) wrote stories about everyday life in Flanders.
• Willem Elsschot (1882 – 1960) was a writer known for his clear and simple style.
• Hugo Claus (1929 – 2008) was a very important writer who wrote novels, plays, and poems. He is one of the most famous Belgian authors.
• Herman de Coninck (1944 – 1997) was a beloved poet.
• Tom Lanoye (born 1958) is a modern writer who writes plays, poems, and novels.

More About Flemish Literature

If you want to learn more, you can look up information about the Flemish Community in Belgium. They support and promote literature in Dutch.

Belgian Literature in French

Many Belgian authors have written in French, and their works are often considered part of French literature. These writers have created many different types of stories, from detective novels to deep philosophical books.

Here are some well-known Belgian authors who wrote in French:

• Charles De Coster (1827 – 1879) wrote The Legend of Thyl Ulenspiegel and Lamme Goedzak, a classic tale.
• Maurice Maeterlinck (1862 – 1949) was a playwright and poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
• Georges Simenon (1903 – 1989) was a very famous writer of detective novels. He created the character Inspector Maigret.
• Jean Ray (1887 – 1964) wrote horror and fantasy stories. He also used the pen name John Flanders for his Dutch works.
• Marguerite Yourcenar (1903 – 1987) was a respected novelist and essayist. She was the first woman elected to the prestigious Académie française.
• Amélie Nothomb (born 1966) is a popular modern writer known for her unique and often funny novels.

French-Speaking Belgium

The French Community of Belgium also plays a big role in supporting French literature in the country. You might also hear about Belgian French, which is the way French is spoken in Belgium.

Belgian Literature in Walloon

The Walloon language is a regional language spoken in parts of Belgium, especially in the south. People have been writing in Walloon for a very long time, since the 16th or 17th century!

The 19th century was a "golden age" for Walloon literature. During this time, many plays and poems were written. People loved going to see these plays, and there were many theaters and magazines dedicated to Walloon writing. Even today, Walloon theater is still popular, with many groups performing for audiences.

Walloon literature often tells stories about local traditions and folklore. One of the most famous Walloon authors was Arthur Masson.

Here are a few Walloon writers:

• Charles-Nicolas Simonon (1774-1847) wrote "Li Côparèye" in 1822.
• Nicolas Defrecheux (1825-1874) wrote the poem "Lèyîs-m'plorer" (Let me weep) in 1854.
• Edward Remouchamps (1836-1900) wrote a popular play called "Tatî l'pèriquî" (Gautier, the barber) in 1885.
• Salme Dieudonné wrote the novel "Li Houlot" (The cadet) in 1888.
• Henri Simon (1856-1939) wrote "Li Mwert di l'abe" (The death of the tree) in 1909.

See also

• Belgian comics
• French literature
• Dutch literature