[bypeTeenehalT]

So, the first review I found in De Standaard (28th May), the more conservative quality Flemish daily, tells of the languages into which to book is being translated: Greek is the latest. Nothing about the book itself.

The Dutch literary promotion organisation, the NLPVF, describes it as a "thoroughly impressive and fascinating book". They give a reasonable survey of its contents.

The liberal-Left Flemish daily De Morgen (30th May) simply lists the facts of the prize and the prize money. No analysis.

On 11th April 2005, in Goddeau an online magazine for literature and the arts, critic Peter Mangelschots says the following: he says the book is long, but he is glad. He wants it to go on forever. He compares it to Mulisch's "De ontdekking van de hemel", also a thick book. A book to be savoured. Mangelschots gives a reasonable description of the basic plot.

Boekbesprekingen.nl, a website for literary reviews, gives a description of the plot, but no comment. (Undated.)

The website vlabin-vbc has a longish article which covers some of the press opinions. This author says that: Omega Minor is een breed uitwaaierende encyclopedisch roman en een zeldzaamheid in de Nederlandse letteren. Talloze verhaallijnen en uiteenlopende stijlen komen daarbij samen in een ambitieus boek over wetenschap, technologie, geschiedenis, psychologie, filosofie etc. (Omega minor is a broad, fan-like and encyclop?dic noveland a rarity in Dutch-language literature. A multiplicity of plots and different styles come together in an ambitious book about science, technology, history, psychology, philosophy, etc.) The American reviews are positive, but the (anonymous) reviewer says that reactions from the Netherlands were less positive. Arie Storm tells of a soporific plot and "deliberate purple passages" ('Het Parool', 6-1-2005), whilel Kees 't Hart uses the expression "literary kitsch" ('De Groene Amsterdammer', 14-8-2004).

The Flemish weekly magazine Knack says nothing except that he's won.

The Dutch weekly magazine Vrij Nederland says very little too, and falls back on a Time interview to fill out its comments.

*

In summa: so far, I can find surprisingly little in the Flemish and Dutch press which isn't merely a rehash of the story, or an announcement of the prize. Maybe the literary journos are busy reading it right now before commenting.