The book about the history of the former Belgian colony is published by De Bezige Bij. Van Reybroucks' work has received many positive reviews and in other countries, too, there is growing interest. In the meantime, the rights have already been sold to the American publisher Ecco/Harper Collins US, 4th Estate in the United Kingdom and the Norwegian publishing house Font Forlag. A great deal of interest in 'Congo, een geschiedenis' has also been shown in France and Germany.
With 'Congo, een geschiedenis', Van Reybrouck is also in the running for the AKO Literature Prize. Other Flemish authors on the shortlist for the prestigious prize are Tom Lanoye with 'Sprakeloos' [Speechless] and Koen Peeters with 'De bloemen' [The Flowers]. Three Dutch authors have also been shortlisted. The winner of this prize will be announced on 8 November.
