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Cover of The Evenings
Literary Fiction· Netherlands

The Evenings

by Gerard Reve
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1947Dutch
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Evenings (1947) by Gerard Reve continues to receive. The Evenings is a classic novel by Gerard Reve, capturing post-war Dutch society through the eyes of a young man named Frits van Egters. Set over ten evenings in 1946, the novel is a darkly humorous exploration of existential angst and the banality of everyday life. Reve's work is praised for its psychological depth and its portrayal of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war. Themes of existentialism, banality, post-war society run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorGerard Reve
Published1947
Country of Origin🇳🇱 Netherlands
LanguageDutch
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781782271789
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

This book is part of Netherlands's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Netherlands →

Editorial Assessment

The Evenings by Gerard Reve sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1947 in Netherlands, it engages with existentialism, banality, post-war society, youth in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Evenings among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Evenings for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of existentialism, banality, post-war society, youth is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Evenings reflects Gerard Reve's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Netherlands's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Gerard Reve
Netherlands
View Author →

Gerard Reve is a Netherlands author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Evenings about?

The Evenings is a classic novel by Gerard Reve, capturing post-war Dutch society through the eyes of a young man named Frits van Egters. Set over ten evenings in 1946, the novel is a darkly humorous exploration of existential angst and the banality of everyday life. Reve's work is praised for its psychological depth and its portrayal of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war.

Who wrote The Evenings?

The Evenings was written by Gerard Reve, from Netherlands. First published in 1947.

What awards has The Evenings won?

The Evenings has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Evenings worth reading?

The Evenings is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in existentialism, banality, post-war society.

Where can I buy The Evenings?

You can buy The Evenings on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Evenings?

The Evenings is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Evenings from?

The Evenings originates from Netherlands's literary tradition. Explore more books from Netherlands on our country page.

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