Tom Lanoye

Tom Lanoye (b. 1958) is a literary one-man business, and one of the most popular authors in Flanders and the Netherlands. His theatre work, novels, short stories, novellas, columns, poetry and performances can only be described as exceptional. He established his reputation with the autobiographical coming of age novel Cardboard Boxes. His bestselling novel Speechless was shortlisted for the most important literary prizes and won the Gouden Uil Readers’ Prize. In his magnum opus The Turntable, Lanoye places question marks beside important issues concerning the collaborative past of Flanders. 

In October 2024, Tom Lanoye was awarded the Grand Prize for Literature, a prestigious triennial award recognising authors of significant literary contributions in the Dutch language area. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium presented the award at the Royal Palace in Brussels, followed by several speeches and performances. Read the full jury report.

Photo © Arthur Los