Herman Brusselmans Sparks Controversy with Critique of Heleen Debruyne’s Work
Flemish author Herman Brusselmans has ignited a debate after publishing a review of Heleen Debruyne’s latest book in Humo magazine, featuring pointed commentary on its sexual content. the critique, characteristic of Brusselmans’ often provocative style, has drawn both amusement and accusations of sexism.
Brusselmans, known for his uncompromising and satirical writng, praised Debruyne’s overall style but questioned her understanding of intimacy, stating, “she has great style, but she clearly doesn’t know much about sex, even though she’s 38 years old.” The review centers on a specific passage, described by Brusselmans as “fairly silly,” which has quickly circulated online and fueled discussion about the boundaries of literary criticism.
The author further advised Debruyne too ”remove sexual intermezzos from her manuscripts in a timely manner in the future,” a remark that has intensified the controversy.Brusselmans’ work frequently blurs the line between satire and direct attack, and observers are now speculating on how debruyne will respond to the public critique.
This incident adds to a pattern of Brusselmans targeting public figures with his sharp wit and frequently enough controversial opinions. He recently made headlines for a similarly critical piece concerning another “oude Doos-BV,” as reported by Voetbalnieuws. The debate surrounding his latest review highlights the ongoing tension between artistic license and perhaps harmful rhetoric within the Flemish cultural landscape.
