Dutch literature (Nederlandse literatuur) has a long history but remains relatively unknown internationally due to the size of the Dutch language community. Medieval highlights include the animal fable Van den vos Reynaerde (Reynard the Fox, 13th century) — one of the most influential medieval stories, widely translated across Europe. The 17th century Golden Age produced poet-playwright Joost van den Vondel, considered the Shakespeare of Dutch literature.
Modern Dutch classics: Multatuli (Eduard Douwes Dekker) wrote Max Havelaar (1860), a damning critique of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia — one of the most politically impactful Dutch novels. Anne Frank’s Het Achterhuis (The Diary of a Young Girl) is the most widely read Dutch-language book globally. Harry Mulisch, W.F. Hermans, and Gerard Reve form the three great post-war novelists.
Contemporary literature: Arnon Grunberg, A.F.Th. van der Heijden, and Connie Palmen are prominent contemporary authors. The Libris Literatuurprijs and NS Publieksprijs are major annual awards. For language learners: start with graded readers (graded leesverhalen), then progress to children’s classics like Jip en Janneke (Annie M.G. Schmidt), then contemporary short novels. De Boekenweek (Book Week, annually in March) is a cultural institution where a commissioned novel is given free with book purchases.