Subject
Dutch fiction -- 20th century Books
Best books
Johan de Meester
Geertje
"Geertje" by Johan de Meester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Geertje, a young girl preparing to leave her rural home for a new life in the city of Rotterdam. In the process, she experiences a mix of emotions, from excitement to nostalgia, as she navigates her relationships with her family and friends in her hometown. The opening of the novel introduces Geertje's change from her secluded village life to the bustling environment of the city. We see her hurriedly preparing to leave home, interacting with her loving but worried grandparents. The narrative captures her anxious sentiments as they express their concerns for her well-being, particularly during a poignant dinner with heartfelt prayers and blessings before her departure. There is a sense of longing for the past as Geertje bids farewell to her familiar surroundings while also dealing with the uncertainty of her new chapter. The reader is drawn into her complexity of feelings, including a sense of liberation and a hint of trepidation as she steps into a world filled with possibilities — and dangers.
Is. (Israël) Querido
Menschenwee : $b Roman van het land
"Menschenwee: Roman van het land" by Is. Querido is a novel written in the early 20th century. The opening chapters transport the reader to a desolate winter landscape, vividly showcasing the life of the land workers, particularly focusing on the character Dirk. Themes of labor, struggle, and the melancholic atmosphere of a rural community are likely central to the narrative, as characters such as Dirk and his father, Gerrit, navigate their harsh existence in a bleak environment. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Dirk, who is deeply engaged in the exhausting work of digging in the heavy, muddy soil while enduring relentless winter winds and an oppressive atmosphere. The scene is steeped in a sense of melancholy, emphasizing the toil and hardship faced by laborers in the community of Wiereland. Dirk's father, Gerrit, observes his son's struggle and reflects on their hard life, marked by poverty and the burden of land debts. The narrative hints at the challenging relationship between the family members and the harsh realities of their existence, setting the tone for a story that will explore themes of suffering, labor, and the pursuit of hope amidst despair.
Bernard Alexander Canter
Germania
"Germania" by Bernard Alexander Canter is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative appears to explore the lives and adventures of a family of Belfers in ancient Germany, set against a backdrop of pagan beliefs and tribal conflicts. The characters, especially Sigbert and his three sons, seem to grapple with the harsh realities of survival in a wilderness filled with both the bounty of nature and the dangers that it brings. The opening of the story focuses on Sigbert, the patriarch, and his three sons as they navigate a dense forest, reflecting on their dire circumstances after four days of wandering without sustenance. Tension mounts as they face not only physical hardships but also the existential concerns driven by their reliance on capricious gods for guidance. Through their discussions, the boys express differing opinions on the divine, particularly regarding the goddess Nehalennia, leading to a deeper exploration of faith and the consequences of their choices. Amidst their tribulations, an unexpected encounter with a wild boar and the personal dynamics between the siblings add to the unfolding drama, hinting at the larger conflicts that permeate their world.
Henri Borel
Leliënstad
"Leliënstad" by Henri Borel is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young man named Paulus, who is deeply troubled by the stark contrasts of suffering and opulence in the city he inhabits. With a strong desire for justice and compassion, he feels that salvation may come from the idealized figure of Princess Leliane, who resides above the urban squalor in a regal palace. The opening of "Leliënstad" paints a vivid and bleak scene, immersing readers in the harsh realities of a wintery metropolis shrouded in mist and despair. Paulus stands on a bridge, reflecting on the desolation surrounding him, where the poor struggle for survival beneath the indifference of the affluent. He eyes the majestic palace above, feeling a deep yearning for the princess to descend and bring hope and salvation to the suffering masses. The tension escalates as Elias, a friend of Paulus, explains the grim fate of the proletariat, setting the stage for Paulus's quest to seek an audience with the princess to plead for compassion and change in their dire situation.
Ina Boudier-Bakker
Het beloofde land
No description available.
Carry van Bruggen
Heleen : $b "een vroege winter"
"Heleen: een vroege winter" by Carry van Bruggen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the character Heleen, a young girl who navigates her childhood and adolescence in a secluded house by a wide river, as she grapples with complex emotions and societal expectations. Themes of isolation, inner struggles, and a deep connection to nature and her environment emerge as Heleen’s character is explored. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of Heleen’s childhood, detailing the desolate beauty surrounding her home and reflecting her introspective nature. As she recalls her upbringing, we learn about her family dynamic, including her relationships with her siblings and parents, the peculiarities of her mentally ill sister, and the oppressive atmosphere in their home. Despite her mother's bustling demeanor, Heleen often feels alone as she describes her vivid imagination, emotional depth, and compassion for the world around her. The text evokes a somber yet enchanting mood as Heleen’s inner life begins to unfold, hinting at the challenges she will face as she grows older.
Henri Borel
Vlindertje: een Haagsche roman
"Vlindertje: een Haagsche roman" by Henri Borel is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in The Hague and revolves around the character Ellie, a young and delicate woman who is deeply involved in the social life and fashion of her time. The narrative explores themes of superficiality, the complexity of social roles, and the innocence of youth amidst a world of expectations. The beginning of the book introduces Ellie as she engages in a lively conversation about fashion with her brother, Pim. They discuss her wardrobe choices and the latest trends, showcasing the mundanity and importance of appearances in their society. The setting is vividly described, capturing Ellie’s ornate boudoir and her essence as a charming, ethereal "vlindertje" (little butterfly). The dynamic between Ellie and her family, particularly her affectionate bond with her brother Pim, hints at deeper themes of dependency and attachment, setting the stage for the intricacies of their lives in the context of social expectations and personal identities.
Henri Borel
Leliane: een modern sprookje
"Leliane: een modern sprookje" by Henri Borel is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a fantastical setting, focusing on a young boy named Paulus who lives in an ancient forest with his grandfather, Willebrordus. The narrative hints at elements of magic and adventure, particularly revolving around the mysterious and enchanting figure of Princess Leliane. The opening of the novel introduces us to Paulus, a boy profoundly connected to the natural world around him, communicating with trees, flowers, and animals, while leading a sheltered life away from human civilization. He is raised by his wise grandfather, who teaches him about the stars and the beauty of nature. The tone of the beginning suggests a tranquil and idyllic existence until it culminates in Paul's destiny intertwining with Princess Leliane, the last of her royal lineage, who, after a misadventure, finds herself in his forest. Their fateful meeting sets the stage for themes of love, innocence, and the clash between the serenity of nature and the complexities of the human world.
Carry van Bruggen
Een Indisch huwelijk
"Een Indisch huwelijk" by Carry van Bruggen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place on a Dutch plantation in the East Indies, focusing on the experiences of newlywed Coenraad van Till and his European wife. It delves into the complexities of their marital life, the challenges posed by cultural differences, and the interactions with their neighbors and colleagues, revealing the tensions and expectations surrounding colonial existence. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a celebratory dinner hosted for the newlyweds, where the male guests express a mix of admiration and envy towards Coenraad, who has brought a "full-blooded" European woman to their isolated lives. The atmosphere is filled with their attempts to impress her while showcasing the exotic fruits and delights of Indochina. As the revelry progresses, inner thoughts of longing and dissatisfaction arise among the men, contrasting their lonely lives with the perceived happiness of the Van Tills. This initial setting lays the foundation for exploring themes of happiness, social interactions, and the intricate dynamics of life in a colonial setting as the story unfolds.
M. (Margo Sybranda Everdina) Scharten-Antink
Sprotje's verder leven
"Sprotje's verder leven" by M. Scharten-Antink is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative delves into the struggles of the protagonist, Sprotje, as she navigates life after the death of her mother and deals with family dynamics, social challenges, and personal growth. Central themes involve loss, the search for stability, and the complexity of familial relationships. The opening of the book introduces us to vrouw Plas, a terminally ill woman awaiting a visit from her estranged daughter, Sien, in an infirmary. As she reflects on her life, memories flood in, shedding light on her difficult relationships, particularly with Sien, who left home without a proper farewell. When Sien finally arrives, their conversation reveals undercurrents of regret and unspoken feelings, along with the caring aspect of family bonds. Meanwhile, we also meet Sprotje, Sien's sibling, who grapples with her own insecurities and the looming uncertainties of life ahead, further complicated by the fragility of relationships in the wake of their mother's demise. The juxtaposition of Sien's anticipation and Sprotje's turmoil sets the stage for exploring themes of family, longing, and the pursuit of happiness amidst adversities.
M. (Margo Sybranda Everdina) Scharten-Antink
Sprotje
"Sprotje" by M. Scharten-Antink is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers on a young girl named Marietje, who transitions from her time at a sewing school into the uncertain world of work, facing societal expectations and personal anxieties. Through her experiences, she grapples with the challenges of poverty, self-identity, and aspirations for a better future. The opening of the novel introduces us to Marietje as she leaves the sewing school after her last lesson, carrying her newly acquired sewing supplies—a bittersweet moment filled with both excitement and melancholy. We learn about her delicate nature and the life she has led with a struggling family, including a father who has been permanently affected by an accident. As she observes her peers who will soon step confidently into their roles as employed girls, Marietje's insecurities and fears surface, particularly her dread of factory work. The text poignantly depicts her inner thoughts, revealing her desire for a quiet, domestic life as a house maid and the complexities of her relationship with her family, hinting at the struggles she will face as she tries to pursue her dreams amidst societal pressures.
Bernard Alexander Canter
Nieuw Utopia
"Nieuw Utopia" by Bernard Alexander Canter is a utopian-philosophical novel written in the early 20th century. It centers on Professor Godefroy Leyden, an eminent physician who seeks rejuvenation through gland transplantation and finds his soul cast into a metaphysical realm while his body lies in narcotic stasis. The narrative blends scientific speculation with satire, pitting medical inquiry against legal formalism and probing materialism, religion, and the nature of truth as it gestures toward an ideal social vision. The opening of Nieuw Utopia frames its tale as “abstract truth,” then follows Leyden, compelled to retire by law at seventy, as he undertakes an experimental operation involving transplanted ape glands. The procedure succeeds physically but leaves him in a deep, unending narcose: his body rejuvenates as his soul, expelled by anesthesia, dwells in “Psychia,” unable to return because the implanted animal forces keep the body mechanically alive. Surgeons exhaust their remedies while the legal faculty, caricatured as worshippers of form over spirit, prepares to prosecute him for evading the retirement law. Meanwhile Leyden, lucid in his disembodied state, observes the operation, tests the properties of his “psychic” body, contemplates light and time, and watches patients he once cured, before praying in humility. He then meets the jackal-headed Anubis, who demands a confession; Leyden counters with cool, scientific reasoning about sin, justice, and atavism, and begins recounting his life—just as the excerpt ends.
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