Flanders and the Netherlands at the Gothenburg Book Fair

In 2027, Flanders and the Netherlands will be Guest of Honour at the Gothenburg Book Fair. Over the coming years, we look forward to showcasing Dutch-language literature in Sweden and strengthening our bonds with Swedish publishers.

That’s why we are coming to the Gothenburg Book Fair this September with writers from Flanders and the Netherlands. We’ll also present a staged reading of drama from Flanders. If you want to know more about our literature, you can schedule a meeting with our team.

Run for your life: the portrayal of fleeing children

Dutch author Edward van de Vendel, Norwegian Ingvild Bjerkeland, Ukrainian Tania Goryushina and Swede Josefin Michanek have all portrayed what it’s like to be a child and refugee in different ways. They will be in conversation with lawyer and lecturer Dona Hariri about the different ways in which this issue can be depicted.

Thursday, September 25 11:00–11:45 Hall R22+23

The return of the plot

Belgian author Lize Spit talks about the structure of her novels in contrast to the wave of the 'no plot just vibe'-literature that has been quite dominant among younger authors recent years, at least in Scandinavia.

Friday, September 26 13:00–13:20 B07:82

Portraying vulnerability

Lize Spit and Balsam Karam will be in conversation with Peter Fröberg Idling as they discuss the portrayal of refugees’ vulnerability.

Friday, September 26 17:00–17:45 HALL R2

Dignity for bodies that have been deprived of it

Nigerian-Flemish author Chika Unigwe in conversation with Lina Bonde.

Friday, September 26 17:30 – 18:00 (scene not yet known)

Sisterhood in the backyard of lust

Chika Unigwe talks with literary critic and book influencer Johanna Lundin.

Saturday, September 27 11:30 – 11:50 (scene not yet known)

Brutal yet deeply human

Chika Unigwe in conversation with translator Hanna Axén.

Saturday, September 27 12:30 – 12:50 B07:82

Dreams of a better life

Chika Unigwe and Balsam Karam talk about migration and dreams of a better life.

Saturday, September 27 15:00–15:45 HALL R2

Gripping yet humorous

Dutch author Jente Posthuma in conversation with her translator Johanna Hedenberg and publisher Per Bergström.

Friday, September 26 15:55 – 16:15 A01:60

Beloved twin

Jente Posthuma and Lyra Ekström Lindbäck discuss the love and connection shared by twins.

Saturday, September 27 17:00–17:45 HALL R24+25

Moving forward in grief

In a conversation with publisher Per Bergström, Jente Posthuma discusses her attempt to understand the loss of her brother, his deep depression, and their complex family ties.

Sunday, September 28 13:30-13:50 B07:82

Author talk

Flemish theatre director and playwright Stijn Devillé talks about his work.

Friday, September 26 11:00-11:30, C02:01

Group discussion: New Dimensions in Contemporary European Theatre

Stijn Devillé discusses the provocative power of theatre and its influence on politics and society with three other influential European creators – Cláudia Lucas Chéu (Portugal), Ramón Gázquez (Spain), and Jacopo Fo (Italy) – and moderator Linda Zachrison.

Friday, September 26 12:00-12:45, HALL R24+25

Reading: ‘Mixtape’

Musing monologues, sharp dialogues or secret letters. Every self-contained scene in ‘Mixtape’ is a new story, a different world. A writing study by Freek Mariën and Carl von Winckelmann, playwrights and artistic directors of theatre company Het Kwartier (Mechelen, Belgium).

Friday, September 26 13:00-13:20, Drama Stage (link not yet available)

• Elise Vanoosthuyse (children’s and youth literature)

• Esther de Gries (fiction)

• Yannick Geens (drama)

• Paul Hermans (nonfiction)

• Barbara den Ouden (fiction and graphic novels)
• Jan Steinz (nonfiction)
• Romkje de Bildt

Literature from Flanders and the Netherlands holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered by Swedish readers. We have selected several titles that have achieved international success, often also in the Scandinavian market. Discover our recommendations.

Have you found a book that fits your publishing list? Great! We have increased our translation grants for Swedish publishers: we now cover 90% of translation costs and 25% of production costs, across all genres. Read more.