Hella Haasse | |
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![]() Amsterdam, July 2006 | |
Born | Hélène Serafia Haasse 2 February 1918 Batavia, Dutch East Indies |
Died | 29 September 2011 Amsterdam, Netherlands | (aged 93)
Alma mater | University of Amsterdam |
Period | 1948–2011 |
Subject | Historical novels, Dutch East Indies-Netherlands relationship |
Notable awards | 19 total (inc. 2 honorary degrees and P.C. Hooft Award) |
Spouse | Jan van Lelyveld (1944–2008; his death); 3 children |
Hélène "Hella" Serafia Haasse (2 February 1918 – 29 September 2011)[1] was a Dutch writer, often referred to as the "Grande Dame" of Dutch literature,[2] and whose novel Oeroeg (1948) was a staple for generations of Dutch schoolchildren.[3] Her internationally acclaimed magnum opus is Heren van de Thee, translated to The Tea Lords.[4] In 1988 Haasse was chosen to interview the Dutch Queen for her 50th birthday after which celebrated Dutch author Adriaan van Dis called Haasse "the Queen among authors".[5]
Haasse has the first Dutch digital online museum dedicated to the life and work of an author. The museum was opened in 2008 on her 90th birthday.[6]
Haasse has an asteroid named after her.[7]