As some of you may know, I have been prejudiced towards Dutch literature for years on end. At the end of 2010, I decided that this had to change. And what better way to give Dutch literature another try than to turn it into a major project? I am currently at the start of said project, even if, for the past couple of months, I have been preparing by reading Dutch works more regularly. Today is the grand kick-off of a month of featuring Dutch literature on my blog. Posts will include the last 2 parts of the read along of The Discovery of Heaven, guests post from fellow bloggers on their experience with Dutch books, thoughts and reviews of classic and modern Dutch literature, male and female authors. I have opted for books I have had in my TBR pile for years, books that are included in the 1001 books you must read before you die list and I may even challenge myself and read one of the authors I am most prejudiced towards: Kluun or Wolkers. However, please don’t hold me to that promise.
So, why “Educating Iris”? Because, that is what I am trying to do. I have never claimed to be an expert on any of the books or genres that I write about on this blog. And you could say I am very much catching up on reading English literature that every one else seems to have read already. I always blame my being a non-native English speaker. But, that does not seem the most legitimate excuse anymore. Especially since I have been reading English books instead of Dutch ones ever since I felt comfortable enough to read Pride and Prejudice in English. Lately, I feel that however much I love reading books from outside my own country, I do need to give Dutch literature another try. Moreover, I feel I should try to promote it a little, since I see so few Dutch authors featured on any of the book blogs I read.
I hope I will be able to motivate you to join me in reading some Dutch literary works. This is why, throughout the month, I will refer to it as A Month of Dutch Literature, even if it once started out as a personal project I told myself would be about educating myself. Tomorrow I will post a second resource list of suggested books [find the first one here], but feel free to pick any other book you come across. As I have said, I know next to nothing of Dutch literature myself, so I’m sure you’ll do fine on your own. I will post a wrap up in the middle and at the end of June, linking to your posts if you leave the links on my blog [preferably on one of the recent posts]. I will also give away one book to anyone who participated at the end of the month.
I do hope you join me, or that the posts will at least make & keep you interested!
I’ll be following avidly! The only Dutch books for grown ups I’ve read are De Renner by Tim Krabbe (available in English as The Rider, with a good translation) which is really well written, even if you know nothing about cycling (I didn’t, but still loved it) and Kaas by Willem Elsschot (yes, available in English as “Cheese”) – very funny and have given it to several friend who have asked for something to read from the Netherlands. I’ve read lots of children’s books and have been meaning to focus on them on my blog for a while. Perhaps June will be the month I manage to do that, to tie in with your great project here!
I would love it if you’d post on a Dutch children’s book!
I haven’t read anything by Krabbe. We had one lesson on his book “The Vanishing”, but the scene in which someone is buried alive always scared me off.
I read Cheese for Dutch literature class in high school. It is quite funny, I agree!
I may have to follow due to being a little overwhemed with life at the moment but I’m still looking forward to it.
I completely understand Verity. I do hope life will get a little less chaotic soon.
I have one review scheduled already for your Dutch literature month and may get to another – I will try to. Can’t wait to see what you do! Good luck
Yay, Amy, that makes me so happy! I’m curious to see how a month of reading and focusing on just Dutch lit will work out (I’m afraid my readers will get tired of it).
I ve three books ready and a couple of suprises hopefully if every thing goes to plan Iris hope loads of people join in and help raise bar of Dutch literature ,all the best stu
Surprises? You’re trying to make me all nervous and giddy about that, aren’t you?
I hope there will be many participants as well. And thank you so much for all your support, Stu!
This is a wonderful initiative, Iris! I don’t have access to a lot of Dutch literature in my place and so I am not sure I can participate. But I will definitely follow your posts and that of other participants and I will take suggestions from that. I have already added Hella Hasse to my list of authors to be explored. Happy Reading!
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Fun! I’m definitely in; off to check out your resources!
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