Erwin Mortier

Erwin Mortier is a Belgian author who writes in Dutch and has gained international recognition for his lyrical prose style and eloquent explorations of memory, family history, and identity. His work has been translated into multiple languages and has earned several prestigious literary awards. Mortier's debut novel Marcel (1999) established his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary Dutch-language literature. The semi-autobiographical work, which deals with a young boy's coming of age in rural Flanders, won the Gerard Walschap Prize and was awarded the prestigious Golden Owl Literature Prize. His subsequent novels, including My Fellow Skin (2000) and While the Gods Were Sleeping (2008), have further cemented his position in European literature. While the Gods Were Sleeping, which examines the impact of World War I through the eyes of an elderly woman, received particular acclaim and was shortlisted for the AKO Literature Prize. Beyond his fiction work, Mortier has also published poetry collections and serves as the city poet of Ghent. He regularly contributes to various Belgian and Dutch newspapers and magazines, writing about cultural and social issues.

Readers appreciate Mortier's poetic prose style and rich sensory details, particularly in his descriptions of childhood memories and family dynamics. Several reviews note his talent for capturing small moments and domestic scenes with precision. His novel "While the Gods Were Sleeping" earned praise for its portrayal of WWI from a civilian perspective. Common criticisms include slow pacing and minimal plot movement. Some readers find his descriptive passages excessive and the narratives too internal and contemplative. Several reviews mention difficulty connecting with his characters. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - While the Gods Were Sleeping: 3.7/5 (124 ratings) - Marcel: 3.6/5 (89 ratings) - My Fellow Skin: 3.5/5 (67 ratings) Amazon: - Average 3.8/5 across all books - Limited English-language reviews available Notable reader comment: "Beautiful writing that sometimes gets in the way of its own story" - Goodreads reviewer

Marcel (1999) A young boy observes his eccentric family in 1960s Flanders while grappling with questions of identity and memory.

My Fellow Skin (2000) A coming-of-age narrative following Anton, who discovers his sexuality while living with his grandmother in a Flemish village.

Shutterspeed (2002) The protagonist explores his family history through old photographs, focusing on his relationship with his shell-shocked great uncle.

While the Gods Were Sleeping (2008) A elderly woman reflects on her experiences during World War I and her relationship with a British photographer.

Stammered Songbook: A Mother's Book of Hours (2011) A memoir chronicling the author's mother's descent into Alzheimer's disease and its impact on family relationships.

Songs of Love and War (2011) A collection of wartime poetry and reflections on conflict, memory, and human nature.

Garden Tales (2004) A series of interconnected stories exploring the relationship between humans and gardens throughout different time periods.