In our ongoing Dutch Treats series, we’re thrilled to introduce Belgian author Hilde Vandermeeren, whose career spans over fifty books and international acclaim. From children’s literature to award-winning crime fiction, Hilde shares insights about her life, work, and what visitors shouldn’t miss in Flanders.
• Tell our readers a little about yourself.
I live in Torhout (which is in West Flanders, in Belgium) with my husband. Our two daughters are already grown and on their own. Over the last twenty years, I’ve written more than fifty books, including both children’s literature and crime fiction for adult readers. I also worked on a television series. Now I’m employed in adult education as a teacher and counselor. I enjoy my job very much.
• Do you have other work available in English? If so, where can interested readers find it?
In 2016, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine published two of my stories, both translated by Josh Pachter: “The Lighthouse” was in the March/April issue (and was a finalist for the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s Derringer Award), and “Stranger in the Night” was in the December issue. In 2021, Pushkin Press published The Scorpion’s Head, translated by Laura Watkinson; the following year, it was longlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association’s Dagger for Crime Fiction in Translation.
• If American readers were to visit Flanders, what’s one thing you’d encourage them to see or do?
In the Westhoek—that’s in the west of Belgium and includes the cities of Ypres and Passendale—you’ll find the well-known “Flander’s Fields.” Throughout this region, there are many remnants of the First World War, including a museum. These reminders of the war are definitely worth a visit!
Photo credit to Phile Deprez
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