Libris Literature Prize goes to Bert Natter for WWII novel Aan het Einde van de Oorlog

The Libris Literature Prize has been awarded to Bert Natter for his novel, Aan het einde van de oorlog. The announcement was made on Monday evening by the jury during an episode of Nieuwsuur.

The Libris Literature Prize is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards for the best Dutch-language novel of the year. This year’s winner, Natter, is awarded €50,000 along with a bronze commemorative medal. In the previous year, the prize was awarded to Safae el Khannoussi for her novel Oroppa.

Led by journalist and presenter Noraly Beyer, the jury called Natter’s novel a “remarkable tour de force.” Set over the course of one day around a concentration camp, Aan het einde van de oorlog follows 31 different characters.

According to the jury report, it shows “great literary mastery” in how seamlessly the multiple voices come together. They also praised Natter for creating “a highly original, distinctive and powerful new work on a deeply serious subject.”

The jury stated that Natter’s novel demonstrates that there are still untold perspectives from the Second World War. They said the book encourages readers to reconsider a historical era they believed they already understood, presenting it in a way that feels newly illuminated. In their view, this makes for an outstanding literary accomplishment.

Alongside the winner, the shortlist included Peter Buwalda (De jaknikker), Lieselot Mariën (Als de dieren), Coco Schrijber (Het gezoem van bijna alles), Peter Terrin (Nog lang geen winter), and Nadia de Vries (Overgave op commando).

In its statement on the shortlist, the jury noted that the six novels nominated for the prize were all carefully constructed, each in its own distinct way. They said the books allow readers to engage both emotionally and intellectually, while also appreciating their literary and aesthetic qualities.

According to the jury, it is precisely this blend of lived experience, documentary depth and authenticity, combined with strong structural and stylistic craftsmanship, that defines the 2026 shortlist.