The Belgian French-language literature is being celebrated throughout November as part of the fourth edition of the campaign “Do You Read Belgian?”.
The Platform for Information and Literature (PILEn), a nonprofit association that works with the literary world in Wallonia and Brussels, is coordinating this promotional campaign. The goal is to reintroduce Belgian literature to the general public through a range of activities from 1-30 November.
According to a 2021 study conducted on behalf of the Belgian Publishers Association, as cited by PILEn, nearly seven out of ten Belgians consider themselves readers. Over three out of ten spend at least €100 a year on books.
The big question raised by the campaign coordinator is, however, are these page-turning works written by Belgians? Since 2020, “Do You Read Belgian?” has aimed to showcase the vast spectrum of editorial offerings from the country.
The entire sector has come together to honour Belgian French-language literature, PILEn has highlighted. This includes professional literary associations, cultural venues, public institutions and sixty-nine publishers including Éditions Dupuis and L’Arbre à Paroles. These bodies have collectively selected 185 new pieces to spotlight throughout November.
The campaign will distribute these works at 65 bookshops and libraries. A plethora of events are planned to attract keen book lovers throughout Wallonia and Brussels. These will include workshops, author meet and greets, book signings and lectures, all with the goal to promote Belgium’s love for books.
