This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Darkroom Of Damocles

   

   Set during World War II in the Netherlands, the novel follows Henri Osewoudt, a timid tobacconist who becomes embroiled in the Dutch resistance after meeting the enigmatic Dorbeck, a man who looks strikingly similar to him. As Osewoudt undertakes dangerous missions against the Nazis, he grapples with questions of identity, morality, and reality, especially as Dorbeck's existence becomes increasingly ambiguous. The story delves into themes of duality and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving Osewoudt in a precarious position as he struggles to prove his innocence in a world where truth is elusive.

   The 895th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Beyond Sleep

   

   The novel follows the journey of a Dutch geologist named Alfred Issendorf, who embarks on an expedition to the desolate landscapes of Norway in search of meteoric craters. Driven by a desire to prove himself and escape the shadow of his deceased father, Alfred faces numerous challenges, including harsh environmental conditions, academic rivalry, and his own insecurities. As the expedition progresses, Alfred's quest becomes a profound exploration of ambition, failure, and the human condition, ultimately leading him to confront the limits of scientific pursuit and the elusive nature of truth.

   The 2385th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

3. 3. The Tears Of The Acacias

   

   The novel explores the disillusionment and moral ambiguity experienced during World War II through the story of a young Dutchman named Arthur Muttah. As he navigates the chaos and destruction of the war, Arthur encounters a series of morally complex situations that challenge his ideals and force him to confront the harsh realities of human nature. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, identity, and the futility of seeking meaning in a world torn apart by conflict, ultimately painting a bleak yet compelling portrait of a man's struggle to find his place amid the ruins of war.

   The 4228th Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Among Professors

   

   The book is a satirical exploration of academic life, focusing on the absurdities and eccentricities within a university setting. It delves into the lives of professors who are entangled in petty rivalries, bureaucratic red tape, and personal ambitions, all while navigating the complexities of their professional and personal relationships. Through sharp wit and keen observation, the narrative exposes the often comical and sometimes tragic aspects of academia, highlighting the disconnect between intellectual pursuits and the mundane realities of university life.

   The 5770th Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Landscape Biographies

   

   This book delves into the intricate relationship between landscapes and human history, exploring how geographical features and natural environments have shaped cultural identities and societal developments over time. Through a series of case studies, it examines the dynamic interplay between nature and human activity, illustrating how landscapes are not just passive backdrops but active participants in the narrative of human existence. The work offers a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing from fields such as archaeology, geography, and history, to present a comprehensive understanding of how landscapes can be read as biographies that tell the stories of the people and events that have shaped them.

6. 6. Het Behouden Huis

   

   Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping novella follows a Dutch soldier who finds refuge in an abandoned house on the Eastern Front. As he grapples with the desolation of war and the eerie silence of his temporary sanctuary, he is haunted by memories and the stark reality of his situation. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, survival, and the psychological toll of conflict, painting a vivid picture of a man caught between the remnants of civilization and the chaos of war.

7. 7. Green Almonds

   

   Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, this compelling narrative delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a world marred by chaos and uncertainty. The story follows a young protagonist grappling with the remnants of war, both physically and emotionally, as he navigates a landscape filled with existential questions and moral dilemmas. Through encounters with a diverse cast of characters, the protagonist's journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring quest for hope amidst the ruins of a fractured society.

8. 8. Herinneringen Van Een Engelbewaarder

   

   A sardonic first-person account in which a self-proclaimed guardian angel recounts memories of human lives, using dark humor and sharp observation to expose hypocrisy, moral ambiguity and existential loneliness; through concise anecdotes and reflections the narrator probes guilt, loss and the limits of compassion while undermining grand narratives and revealing the absurdity of human pride.

9. 9. Ik Heb Altijd Gelijk

   

   A sharp, acerbic collection of polemical essays in which the narrator insists on his own infallibility while skewering literary pretensions, social hypocrisies and human self-deception; with biting humor and philosophical skepticism the pieces expose contradictions in others’ arguments and probe the nature of truth, certainty and intellectual arrogance.
10. 10. Au Pair

    

11. 11. Het Grote Medelijden