Books from Belgium

A Belgian woman's year in a Tokyo corporation becomes a systematic, escalating humiliation — told as black comedy.

• coming of age
• fish out of water
• morally grey

A dying Nobel laureate is finally broken open by the one journalist who has truly read him.

• anti hero
• morally grey
• mentor figure

In this stark, confessional piece, Georges Simenon delves into the intricate dynamics of parent-child relationships. He confronts the bitterness of unspoken truths, revealing a lifetime of pretense and a lack of love between a mother and child. This short work offers a concentrated exploration of profound emotional complexities.

• epistolary
• family saga

Accade molto di rado che Simenon segnali che i personaggi e gli eventi da lui narrati sono «puramente immaginari e privi di qualsiasi riferimento a persone viventi o defunte». Per capire come mai in questo caso ne abbia sentito il bisogno occorre tornare al 1945, quando al fratello Christian, condannato a morte in contumacia per aver coadiuvato le SS in una spedizione punitiva che aveva fatto ventisette vittime, Georges aveva consigliato di arruolarsi nella Legione straniera: un modo per scomparire, certo, e per riscattarsi – ma anche, cambiando cognome, per non compromettere lo scrittore ormai celebre con una parentela imbarazzante. «È colpa tua! Lo hai ucciso tu!» si sentì rinfacciare dalla madre allorché, ai primi di gennaio del 1948, lo stesso Georges le comunicò la morte, nel Tonchino, del figlio preferito. Nei mesi immediatamente successivi, quasi volesse espellere i propri fantasmi, Simenon scrisse due dei suoi romanzi più neri e potenti: "La neve era sporca" e "Il fondo della bottiglia". In quest'ultimo, uno stimabile avvocato, che è riuscito, partendo dal basso, a conquistarsi un posto nella ristretta comunità dei notabili di Nogales, al confine tra gli Stati Uniti e il Messico, vede vacillare tutte le sue certezze quando gli compare davanti, evaso dal carcere in cui scontava una condanna per il tentato omicidio di un poliziotto, il fratello minore – quello debole, irresponsabile, sfortunato, eppure dotato di un inquietante potere di seduzione –, che gli chiede di aiutarlo a passare la frontiera. Nel piccolo mondo costituito dai ricchi proprietari dei ranch l'arrivo dell'estraneo scatena una sorta di psicodramma, che culminerà in una vera e propria caccia all'uomo, mentre, fra odio e amore, rancori e sensi di colpa, sbronze e scazzottate, si consuma la resa dei conti tra i due fratelli.

This novel reimagines the life of Emperor Hadrian, from his challenging youth through his many victories and setbacks. It follows his journey to becoming emperor and his efforts to bring order to a world ravaged by war. The book offers a deep look into his character and reflects on the nature of history itself.

• coming of age
• redemption arc

Step into the mind of Roman Emperor Hadrian as he pens a reflective letter to his adopted grandson, Marcus Aurelius. This acclaimed novel, presented as Hadrian's memoirs, delves into his military triumphs, his love for art and philosophy, and his profound passion for Antinous. Experience the inner world of a powerful ruler grappling with his legacy, his loves, and the vast empire he commanded.

• epistolary

Maurice Maeterlinck's philosophical work delves into the intricate relationship between human wisdom and the concept of destiny. He explores how individuals can navigate the seemingly predetermined forces of fate through the cultivation of inner wisdom and a conscious will. This essay invites readers to contemplate the nature of free will and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.

Philippe Geluck's beloved feline character returns in the second installment of Le Chat. This volume continues the adventures and observations of the titular cat, offering a blend of humor and everyday life through his unique perspective. Fans will enjoy more of the witty commentary and charming illustrations that have made Le Chat a favorite.

Meet a serial killer who decides to take a vacation. He's looking for a break from his usual routine, but trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. Will he find the peace he's looking for, or will his dark past catch up to him?

This collection of philosophical essays by Nobel laureate Maurice Maeterlinck examines the profound mysteries of human existence. Maeterlinck explores themes of inner life, silence, and the unseen forces that shape our spiritual landscape. Readers are invited to contemplate the hidden treasures found within the humble aspects of life.

Le Chat is a beloved comic series featuring the philosophical and often absurd observations of a witty cat. Through single-panel gags and short strips, the series explores everyday life, human nature, and existential questions with a unique blend of humor and intelligence. Readers will find themselves chuckling at the cat's deadpan delivery and surprisingly profound insights.

Marsupilami follows the adventures of a fictional, spotted, monkey-like creature with an incredibly long, prehensile tail. Living in the Palombian jungle, Marsupilami and his family encounter various challenges and often outwit human explorers and poachers. The series is known for its humor, slapstick action, and vibrant jungle setting.

This charming picture book introduces a young hedgehog who simply doesn't like kisses. Follow his journey as he navigates a world full of affectionate animals, trying to understand why everyone else enjoys something he finds so unpleasant. It's a sweet story about personal preferences and finding your own way to show love.

Gaston Lagaffe, a well-meaning but perpetually clumsy office worker, navigates the daily chaos of his workplace. His inventive, often disastrous, attempts to improve office life lead to hilarious mishaps and drive his colleagues to distraction. This comic album follows Gaston's misadventures as he tries to avoid work and pursue his quirky hobbies, much to the chagrin of his boss.

• reluctant hero

This story follows a young girl who is new to school and struggles to make friends. She tries various approaches to connect with her classmates, learning about friendship and belonging along the way.

• coming of age

This charming story explores the universal theme of friendship through the eyes of a young character. It gently navigates the joys and challenges of making new friends, offering a relatable experience for young readers. The narrative encourages empathy and understanding as characters learn to connect with one another.

• coming of age