Willem Elsschot

Willem Elsschot (1882–1960) was a notable Belgian author and poet. His real name was Alfons De Ridder, but he is better known by his pen name. Elsschot's work is characterized by sharp wit and a satirical style, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people and critiquing societal norms. His most famous works include 'Cheese' ('Kaas') and 'The Trap' ('Lijmen/Het Been'). His literature remains influential in the Dutch-speaking world and continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit and social commentary.

Books

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. Cheese

    The novel revolves around a Dutchman living in Antwerp, Belgium, who is persuaded by his brother to enter the cheese business. He invests in 10,000 full-cream cheeses and sets up an office, but struggles to sell any of his stock. As he grapples with the nuances of the cheese trade, his personal life and professional relationships also begin to crumble, leading to a series of comical and tragic events. The book is a satirical commentary on business, ambition, and the absurdity of life.