CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Notes on building a life in the Netherlands

Categorie: Books & Reviews

  • Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 2 (Reading in Dutch: Part 2)


    Check out Lezen in het Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 1 (Reading in Dutch: Part 1)

    Daar waar de rivierkreeften zingen by Delia Owens

    Daar waar de rivierkreeften zingen (Where the Crawdads Sing) by Delia Owens tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl who grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina after being abandoned by her family. As she matures, Kya becomes a skilled naturalist, but her solitude is interrupted when she’s implicated in the murder of a local man. The novel weaves themes of loneliness, survival, love and the beauty of nature, all while unraveling the mystery of the crime. Where the Crawdads Sing was adapted into a Netflix movie. The film released in 2022.

    Sonny Boy by Annejet van der Zijl

    Sonny Boy by Annejet van der Zijl is a poignant true story about the unlikely and passionate love between Rika van der Lans, a Dutch woman in her forties, and Waldemar Nods, a young Surinamese student. Despite the societal taboos surrounding their interracial relationship in 1920s and 1930s Netherlands, they build a life together, even welcoming a son, Waldy, affectionately called “Sonny Boy.” The book beautifully explores themes of love, racial prejudice and the challenges of maintaining family bonds during turbulent times, especially with the backdrop of World War II. It’s a moving tale about courage, defying societal norms, and the enduring power of love.

    Joe Speedboot by Tommy Wieringa

    Joe Speedboot by Tommy Wieringa is a coming-of-age novel that follows Fransje Hermans, a young boy who is paralyzed after a lawnmower accident. The story is told from his perspective as he faces the challenges of adolescence while navigating life in a wheelchair. Through his friendship with the charismatic and adventurous Joe Speedboot, Fransje learns to embrace life despite his disability. The novel explores themes of friendship, love and personal growth, as Fransje struggles to define his identity and find his place in the world. Wieringa’s writing is poetic and thought-provoking, blending humor with moments of deep emotion. Joe Speedboot is a poignant exploration of how individuals overcome personal limitations and societal expectations, making it a powerful and memorable read.

    Komt een vrouw bij de dokter by Kluun

    Komt een vrouw bij de dokter (translated as Love Life in English) is a semi-autobiographical novel by Dutch author Kluun (Raymond van de Klundert). It tells the story of Stijn, a successful, hedonistic advertising executive in Amsterdam, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his wife Carmen is diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her illness, Stijn continues to cheat on her, unable or unwilling to give up his compulsive pursuit of sex, drugs and nightlife. The novel explores his internal struggle between loyalty and selfishness, love and escapism, as Carmen’s condition worsens. Through her illness and eventual death, Stijn is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the true meaning of love, grief and responsibility. Told in raw, brutally honest language, the novel examines themes of infidelity, denial, mortality and emotional growth. It became a bestseller in the Netherlands and sparked widespread debate for its controversial portrayal of a man coping with his wife’s terminal illness in such a self-destructive way.

    Loved these reads? I’ve got another great Dutch book recommendation for you. Check it out here!

  • Lezen in het Nederlands: Deel 1 (Reading in Dutch: Part 1)

    Learning Dutch hasn’t always been easy, but reading books in the language has made a big difference for me. In this post, I’m sharing five Dutch books that I’ve actually read; all of which helped me improve my vocabulary, reading flow, and cultural understanding. These books were published in makkelijke taal (simple Dutch), specifically designed to help readers at A2 or B1 level better understand and enjoy the language. Some were easy, others were a challenge, but each one was worth it.

    Het dagboek by Annelie Drewsen

    Het dagboek by Annelie Drewsen is a touching story about Tarek, a refugee adjusting to life in a new country. Learning Dutch is difficult for him; it feels unfamiliar and emotionless. His teacher gives him a diary, encouraging him to write each day. At first, Tarek hesitates, as his memories are painful, but slowly, he begins to express himself through writing. As the words flow, he starts to find comfort and hope. This hopeful story highlights the significance of language and the power of multilingualism. Written in simple Dutch (A1/A2 level), this book is great for language learners and offers a moving insight into the refugee experience and the power of storytelling.

    De kraai by Kader Abdollah

    De kraai, written as the 2011 Boekenweekgeschenk (Book Week Gift), is a semi-autobiographical novella by Kader Abdolah. It follows Refiq Foad, an Iranian refugee who builds a new life in the Netherlands. Refiq shares anecdotes from his youth in Iran, his escape to the Netherlands, and his experiences as an immigrant. A crow appears as a recurring symbol during pivotal moments in his life. The book offers an accessible writing style and weaves elements from Dutch literature, making it interesting for readers seeking insight into immigrant experiences and integration into a new culture

    Mevrouw mijn moeder by Yvonne Keuls

    Mevrouw mijn moeder by Yvonne Keuls is a heartfelt and personal account of the author’s mother, Jopi, an Indonesian woman who moved to the Netherlands. The book reflects on Jopi’s strength, independence, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant adjusting to a new culture. Through anecdotes and memories, Keuls captures her mother’s resilience and how she maintained her cultural roots while growing older. The story combines humor and emotion, offering a deep and moving look at identity, aging, and the immigrant experience, with a focus on the bond between mother and daughter.

    Er is hoop by Renate Dorrestein

    Is er hoop by Renate Dorrestein tells the story of Igor, a 16-year-old boy with intellectual disabilities, who lives with his grandmother, Nettie. Igor works at a sheltered workshop where he meets Lisa, a homeless girl. Together, they find an abandoned baby girl and decide to take her home. Nettie embraces Lisa and the baby, creating an unconventional household. The novel explores themes of love, hope, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a touching perspective on the good intentions of imperfect people and the extraordinary bonds that connect them.

    Fatale liefde by Carry Slee

    Fatale Liefde by Carry Slee is a short but intense story about love, obsession, and betrayal. The book follows a teenage girl who falls deeply in love, but her relationship takes a dark turn. The story is easy to read, with simple language and a fast pace, making it great for Dutch learners. The emotions feel real, and the tension builds up well. Though the ending is predictable, it still leaves an impact. If you enjoy dramatic young adult stories, this is a good choice. However, it might feel a bit too short for those who like deeper character development.

    These five books have each helped me in my Dutch learning journey. Whether through simple language or powerful storytelling, they helped me connect more deeply with the language and culture of the Netherlands. If you’re learning Dutch at the A2 or B1 level, I hope some of these titles will inspire and support your own progress too. More book recommendations are coming soon in the next part of this series. Stay tuned!

    Meanwhile, check out my other Dutch books recommendation here.