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Stuck in Schiphol airport, Ben Coates reached out to a charming Dutch woman he had encountered a few months earlier. He was invited for dinner. As it turned out, he stayed indefinitely. In his debut book that delves into the hidden depths and rich history of the Netherlands, Coates traverses the entirety of his adopted country, unveiling why this small nation holds such a significant place on the world stage and why it is so intriguing.
The Netherlands is a country shaped by sheer willpower, its national identity carved by the relentless struggle to hold back the sea, an appreciation for dairy and beer, a unique relationship with nature, and famous for its tolerance. Ben Coates takes a deep dive into what defines the Dutch, why the Netherlands is more than just Holland, and the importance of the color orange.
He unravels why they are the tallest people in the world and why their carnival is rivaled only by Brazil’s. He explores why Amsterdam’s brothels are closing their doors, who truly was behind Anne Frank’s death, and how the Dutch manage to be among the wealthiest people in the world despite working significantly less. Coates also identifies a nation in the throes of change, the Dutch now reevaluating many of the liberal policies that put them on the map.
A personal exploration of a captivating people, a unique historical perspective, and a vibrant travelogue, WHY THE DUTCH ARE DIFFERENT tells the story of an Englishman who embraced Dutch culture and thrived within it. This book is not just a read, but an experience.