Why The Dutch Are Different: A Journey into the Hidden Heart of the Netherlands

by Ben Coates Narrated by Ciaran Saward

Overview

Stranded at Schiphol airport, Ben Coates called up a friendly Dutch girl he'd met some months earlier. He stayed for dinner. Actually, he stayed for good.



In the first book to consider the hidden heart and history of the Netherlands from a modern perspective, the author explores the length and breadth of his adopted homeland and discovers why one of the world's smallest countries is also so significant and so fascinating.



Ben Coates investigates what makes the Dutch the Dutch, why the Netherlands is much more than Holland, and why the color orange is so important. Along the way he reveals why they are the world's tallest people and have the best carnival outside Brazil. He learns why Amsterdam's brothels are going out of business, who really killed Anne Frank, and how the Dutch manage to be richer than almost everyone else despite working far less. He also discovers a country which is changing fast, with the Dutch now questioning many of the liberal policies which made their nation famous.



A personal portrait of a fascinating people, a sideways history, and an entertaining travelogue, Why the Dutch are Different is the story of an Englishman who went Dutch. And loved it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A book as quietly appealing as its subject and full of fascinating details. Coates is entirely convincing in his affectionate portrait.—Prospect

A striking portrait of the Netherlands in the 21st century, offering a refreshing and long overdue update of the way the Dutch national character is described.—Edinburgh Book Review

Fascinating. Thoroughly researched and well thought out, Why the Dutch are Different takes us on a journey that goes beyond red-lit windows and Anne Frank to the true depths of the country. Ben Coates's day-to-day life sits effortlessly alongside deeper dives into history and folklore. A friendly read that strikes the right balance between teaching and entertaining.—The Bookbag

I thoroughly recommend this book. Why the Dutch are Different provides the answers to all the questions I had but didn't dare ask about the Netherlands. I eagerly sat up late into the night reading, laughing often and enjoying the ride into my adopted homeland.—DutchNews

In Why the Dutch are Different, a torch beam of scrutiny plays across the country's past and its lesser known foibles. Author Ben Coates has produced an insightful gem.—Scotsman - Books of the Year

One of the few books on our near-neighbour, Coates gets under the skin of a nation renowned for its liberalism.—The Bookseller

Vivid and informative. Coates intertwines the nation's journey to its modern iteration with his own adaptation to the Dutch lifestyle. An accomplished debut.—Geographical

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176144987
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	09/21/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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