Picture a Dutch storyteller who turned a childhood tragedy into a haunting literary masterpiece—meet Marieke Lucas Rijneveld! Born in 1991, this non-binary author shook the literary world with their debut novel, The Discomfort of Evening, which snagged the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2020. With raw prose and unflinching honesty, Rijneveld spins tales of grief, identity, and rural life that linger long after the last page.
Growing up on a dairy farm in a strict Reformed Protestant family, Rijneveld’s world was shaped by faith, loss, and the earthy rhythms of farm life. Their unique perspective—blending poetic beauty with stark realities—has made them one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Dutch literature. Let’s dive into their story!
The Making of Marieke Lucas Rijneveld
Born on April 20, 1991, in Nieuwendijk, Netherlands, Lucas Rijneveld (formerly Marieke Lucas) grew up in North Brabant’s countryside. At age three, they lost their older brother in a tragic accident, a wound that would later fuel their writing. Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, Rijneveld began crafting stories in primary school, even copying the book by hand to keep its magic close in their strict religious home. Poetry sparked during speech therapy sessions, where they found solace in words. After briefly studying to become a Dutch teacher, Rijneveld dropped out to focus on writing, a bold move that paid off.
Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s Unforgettable Stories
Rijneveld’s debut novel, The Discomfort of Evening (2018), is a gut-punch of a story. Translated by Michele Hutchison, it follows Jas, a young girl in a devout farming family grappling with her brother’s death after a chilling wish. The novel’s raw, poetic prose—think skinned knuckles like “ruptured prawns’ heads”—earned it the 2020 International Booker Prize, making Rijneveld the youngest and first Dutch winner. It also won the ANV Debut Prize in 2019.
Their second novel, My Heavenly Favourite (2020), stirred controversy with its dark tale of a vet’s obsession with a teenage girl, narrated from the perpetrator’s perspective. Critics called it “sickening” yet praised its “ghastly power.” Rijneveld’s poetry collections, like Calf’s Caul (2015) and Phantom Mare (2019), showcase their lyrical gift, earning awards like the C. Buddingh’-prijs. Their style blends visceral imagery, childhood perspectives, and unflinching explorations of taboo topics, all rooted in their rural upbringing.
Whether it’s the stark beauty of a Dutch dairy farm or the weight of unspoken grief, Rijneveld’s work captures the messy, human struggle. Their non-binary identity and experiences with bullying add layers of authenticity to their themes of belonging and self-discovery.
Why Marieke Lucas Rijneveld Matters
Rijneveld’s impact lies in their fearless storytelling. As the first non-binary and Dutch author to win the International Booker, they’ve shattered barriers, bringing Dutch literature to global audiences. Their work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths—grief, faith, and identity—while finding beauty in the broken. By blending poetry and prose, they’ve carved a unique space in contemporary literature, inspiring writers to embrace raw honesty.
Their influence extends beyond books. In 2021, Rijneveld was chosen to translate Amanda Gorman’s poetry but stepped back after debate over cultural representation, showing their willingness to engage with complex issues. Still working on a dairy farm, Rijneveld remains grounded, proving art and life can intertwine seamlessly.
- Birth Date: April 20, 1991
- Key Works: The Discomfort of Evening, My Heavenly Favourite, Calf’s Caul
- Awards: International Booker Prize (2020), ANV Debut Prize (2019), C. Buddingh’-prijs (2016)
Snag The Discomfort of Evening and dive into Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s haunting, poetic world—it’s a journey you won’t forget!