“The Evenings” by Gerard Reve follows ten days in the life of Frits van Egters, a young man drifting through post-war Amsterdam. His days are filled with mundane events, awkward encounters, and darkly humorous thoughts as he struggles against boredom and a stifling family life.
The book captures the quiet moments of frustration and absurdity in his daily routines, offering a glimpse into his restless mind and the world around him.
The book “The Coffee Trader” by David Liss takes place in 17th-century Amsterdam, where commodities trading is booming. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jewish trader who gets caught up in a risky scheme involving coffee, a mysterious new drink.
As Miguel navigates alliances, rivalries, and betrayals, the book explores the cutthroat business world of the time and the vibrant yet precarious lives of the city’s Jewish community.
“Postcards from No Man’s Land” by Aidan Chambers weaves two timelines. One follows Jacob, a teenager visiting Amsterdam for a World War II commemoration. The other recounts the life of Geertrui, a Dutch woman who helped a wounded British soldier during the war.
As Jacob uncovers family secrets and explores his own identity, the book contrasts his modern-day experiences with Geertrui’s memories of love, sacrifice, and survival.
“Ciske the Rat” by Piet Bakker tells the story of a troubled young boy named Ciske, who grows up in Amsterdam during the 1930s. Ciske deals with a rough home life, a harsh school environment, and constant bullying, but his charm and wit still shine through.
The book paints a vivid picture of the city’s working-class neighborhoods and explores how Ciske navigates hardships while seeking acceptance and understanding.
The book “I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter” by Lynn Cullen tells the story of Cornelia, the daughter of the famous painter Rembrandt. Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, it follows her struggles as she faces poverty and her father’s declining reputation.
Cornelia wrestles with her loyalty to her father while yearning for a different life and questioning her place in a society that values wealth and status over art. Through her eyes, you get a glimpse of Amsterdam’s art scene and daily life during that time.
The book “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green is about two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group and form a deep connection. Their journey takes them to Amsterdam, where they seek answers from Hazel’s favorite author.
This city becomes a backdrop for moments of love, hope, and heartbreak, adding a unique atmosphere to their story.
The book “The Secret Servant” by Daniel Silva follows Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and spy, as he faces a dangerous mission rooted in international terrorism.
After discovering the murder of an influential academic in Amsterdam, Gabriel uncovers a larger plot that threatens Europe. The story takes him across various countries, as he races to prevent a catastrophic event.