Out and about with Willem Elsschot

Willem Elsschot has always had a special connection to Blauberg. As a young boy, he spent his vacations there, and even in later life, he continued to visit his family and friends there regularly with his wife and children.

Elsschot drew inspiration from his own life for his literary work. It is therefore logical that there are several connections to Blauberg, the most significant being his novel *De Verlossing* (The Redemption), which is based on his experiences in Blauberg and the stories of the locals.

We start at the church in Blauberg and walk via the trail junctions toward the Hertberg Provincial Green Domain. Along the way, you’ll pass 15 information signs that offer insight into the life and work of Willem Elsschot.

The app gives you access to additional background information and audio clips.


Voice: Michaël Pas
Song “k Heb in mijn jeugd gelijk een beest gezopen”: Ludo Daems & Eddy Verreycken
Song “Schele Vanderlinden”: Dre Bos & Eddy Verreycken
Video clip “Spijt”: from the documentary “Erfgenaam van Willem Elsschot,” a co-production of Viewpoint Productions, 4Media, VRT, and NTR.

Sources:
Aerts, T., interview by Parrein P.-J., May 29, 2020, and December 13, 2020.
Elsschot, W. (2005). Collected Works. Amsterdam: Athenaeum-Polak & Van Gennep.
Rymenants, K. (2009). A Pile of Rubbish in the Banquet Hall: Facets of Willem Elsschot’s Prose. Antwerp-Apeldoorn: Garant.
Van de Reijt, V. (2011). Elsschot. The Life and Works of Alfons De Ridder. Amsterdam: Athenaeum-Polak & Van Gennep.
Van de Reijt, V. (2019). The Discovery of Elsschot. Amsterdam: Athenaeum-Polak & Van Gennep.
Van Everbroeck, C. (2005). August Borms: His Life, His Wars, His Death. Antwerp: Meulenhoff/Manteau.
Willems, F. (1976). Willem Elsschot. Utrecht: H&S.

📏 5.5 km
🕑 1 hr 45 min
📍 Blauberg Church
🏁 Blauberg Church