On this edition of Around the World with Bookstr, we are taking a trip to the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Nestled on the northwest corner of the continental European continent, Amsterdam has a long history as a port city within the North Sea. Through this list of novels, we will learn more about the history and culture from a fictional perspective.
Trigger Warning: The mention of certain content and topics in this article may be triggering to some readers. Since World War II is prominent in Amsterdam’s history, a majority of the books may touch on racism and violence.
Introducing Amsterdam
Arguably known as the “Venice of the North” (a few other Northern European cities attempt to claim that title), Amsterdam is composed of an intricate system of canals that links the city together. One of the most popular forms of transportation is cycling, as you can see thousands of bicycles zooming everywhere. Americans also know Amsterdam for its cafes that offer special treats that may not be legal elsewhere. Additionally, the risque red light district offers eye-gawking sights for tourists.
Amsterdam’s Cultural and Historical Significance
However, beyond the popular touristy features, Amsterdam was home to a few monumental names in the art world, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. It would make sense that such artists would reside here since the countryside just beyond the city offers beautiful views of sprawling tulip fields. Amsterdam has also been significant in World War II history, considering half of the novels on this list are set in that historical era, including a notably tragic and famous real-life character of Anne Frank.
As the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designated Amsterdam the World Book Capital in 2008, the city has set its reputation for being fundamental for the book publishing industry. With this title, Amsterdam continues to work both locally and internationally to promote literature in the book sector.
Let’s begin our exploration of Amsterdam!
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Our first book is one of the most important written works to come out of Amsterdam. Although started as just a diary written by a young girl, with no intention of others reading, this piece of literature has graced the lists of required readings for schools for decades. Initially published in 1947, it gives an inside look at the tragic life of Anne Frank, as she hid in a cramped attic in Amsterdam with her family during World World II. Between 1942 till her capture by the Nazis in 1944, Anne jotted down her experiences and emotions during everyday life in a secret section of an old office building. Unfortunately, this book has also ended up on banned book lists recently, however, it still serves as a reminder of the horrors of fascism.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Set in the autumn of 1686, Burton’s novel follows the journey of 18-year-old Nella Oortman, who moves to Amsterdam after marrying a merchant trader named Johannes Brandt. Unfortunately, the marriage turns out to be cold and lonely, with Nella’s company spent mainly with Johannes’ sister, Main. However, things start to get weird when Nella receives a cabinet-sized replica of their new home. With elements of magical realism and fantasy, strange occurrences begin to transpire as Nella explores her new home, both the physical and the replica.
Rembrandt’s Mirror by Kim Devereux
Raised by a strict Calvinist family, Hendrickje leaves home to move to Amsterdam in search of work as a housemaid. She finds herself employed to work in Rembrandt’s workshop, an artist who is looking for extra help after the death of his wife. After accidentally witnessing a sexual encounter between Rembrandt and the housekeeper, Geertje, Hendrickje becomes both shocked and intrigued with her employer.
Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
Also set during World World II, this YA historical mystery revolves around Hanneke, a young woman who secretly collects things to sell on the black market while mourning the death of her boyfriend who fought with the Dutch against the Germans. But after Mrs. Janssen requests the help of Hanneke to locate a runaway teenager who is hiding from the Nazis, Hanneke grows more aware of the treacheries of the Nazis.
The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith
During the late spring of 1943, Marijke de Graaf and her husband are sent to separate concentration camps. To escape a slow and painful death, Marijke is offered a spot in the camp brothel, where she meets SS Officer Karl Müller. Interweaving parallel storylines, the novel also reflects on Luciano Wagner’s captivity in an Argentine prison during a war in 1977.
A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman
Professor Josef Held risks his life to protect and hide his student, Michael Blum, from the Gestapo during the War. As he gets to know his student a bit more, he finds out that Michael is in love with a non-Jewish Dutch girl named Elke. Josef does everything in his power to attempt to reunite the two lovers.
The Coffee Trader by David Liss
Showcasing its history as a port city, this novel details the beginnings of the coffee market in Amsterdam in 1659. After losing nearly everything during a dive in the sugar market, a Portuguese Jewish merchant trader named Miguel Lienzo reaches out to his brother for support. But after a seductive Dutchwoman enters Miguel’s life, he discovers coffee has a new lucrative commodity.
It seems that most of the literature set in Amsterdam features the historical backdrop of World World II. Although the narrative is an important set of events that should be remembered, Amsterdam has become a modern city that has a lot to offer to its visitors and residents. With these novels, we can recollect the past history, but look forward to what the future holds.
If you want to explore more European-based reads, check out our article Around the World: Top Polish Books You’ll Love and Treasure.
To continue expanding your knowledge on bookish topics, dive into our bookshelf: Did You Know? Bookstr Trivia for Your Curious Bookish Mind.
