Dutch literary giant Cees Nooteboom, celebrated for his travel writing, novels, and poetry, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92. Even as lauded internationally, Nooteboom often expressed a sense of being undervalued in his native Netherlands, a sentiment that shaped his life and operate.
A Life of Restlessness and Reflection
Nooteboom’s early life was marked by upheaval. The loss of his father during the 1945 bombing of The Hague instilled a lifelong restlessness, a “seed of unrest” as he described it. This propelled him to wander extensively, initially through Europe, and later establishing a deep connection with Spain, particularly the island of Menorca, where he spent his final years.
His debut novel, Philip and the Others (1954), hinted at the themes that would define his career: searching, displacement, and the complexities of identity. He found success writing travel pieces for publications like Avenue, capturing moments of cultural transition and personal discovery. His 1992 work, Roads to Santiago, offered a nuanced portrait of Spain’s history and culture.
International Acclaim and Domestic Disconnect
While never achieving the same level of mainstream recognition in the Netherlands as authors like Hermans, Mulisch, and Reve, Nooteboom garnered significant praise abroad. His 1980 novel, Rituals, earned him both the F. Bordewijk award and the American Pegasus award, and was later adapted into a film. He was frequently mentioned as a potential Nobel laureate.
This disparity between international and domestic recognition fueled a sense of frustration. As noted in a 2023 interview, Nooteboom felt his work was more appreciated outside of the Netherlands, a sentiment echoed by German literary critic Marcel Reich-Ranicki, who famously declared, “That you Dutch have such a writer!” after discovering The Following Story.
The Enduring Power of Place and Memory
Nooteboom’s writing consistently explored the interplay between place, memory, and identity. His later work, including Het Spaanse van Spanje (2023), reflected a deep engagement with the changing landscapes and cultures of Spain. He observed how even familiar locations transformed over time, noting the modernization of cities like Bilbao.
His famous quote, “Memory is like a dog that lies down where it wants,” encapsulates his belief in the subjective and elusive nature of remembrance. He approached writing as a way to postpone oblivion, stating, “Writing is postponed dying,” and expressing satisfaction with even a single line of poetry surviving him.
“Memory is like a dog that lies down where it wants.”
A Legacy of European Literature
Cees Nooteboom’s passing marks the end of an era in European literature. His work, translated into over 30 languages, continues to resonate with readers seeking profound reflections on travel, memory, and the human condition. His life, characterized by both artistic success and a quiet sense of displacement, serves as a testament to the complexities of a writer navigating a changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Cees Nooteboom’s most famous work? Rituals (1980) is widely considered his breakthrough novel.
- Where did Cees Nooteboom live in his later years? He lived on the Spanish island of Menorca.
- Did Cees Nooteboom win the Nobel Prize? He was frequently nominated but never awarded the prize.
- What themes did Nooteboom explore in his writing? Travel, memory, identity, and the impact of place were central to his work.
What are your favorite memories of Cees Nooteboom’s work? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
