Amsterdam
Amsterdam is is a city steeped in literary history and culture, with an enchanting network of canals, centuries-old buildings, and countless bookshops, libraries, and literary events. The rich heritage of Amsterdam, which has inspired numerous literary works, coupled with its charming ambiance and the Amsterdam Public Library - one of the largest in Europe, creates an idyllic setting for book lovers to immerse themselves in the world of stories. We visited Scheltema bookshop for their recs on the best reads for your next trip here.
The Miniaturist
by Jesse BurtonSet in 17th century Amsterdam, this historical novel follows the story of Petronella Oortman, an 18-year-old girl who marries a wealthy merchant. When she moves to his home in Amsterdam, she receives a peculiar wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their house. She hires a miniaturist to add items to the replica, but the miniatures she starts to receive are eerily accurate and seem to predict the future. As Nella unravels the secrets of the miniaturist and her new family, she finds herself in a world full of deception and hidden agendas.
The Light of Amsterdam
by David ParkThe Light of Amsterdam weaves the stories of three pairs of travelers from Belfast who visit Amsterdam during the pre-Christmas period. Alan, a divorced college lecturer; Marion, a middle-aged housewife who is questioning her marriage; and Karen, a single mother working in a care home, all seek an escape from their lives back home. As they experience the vibrant streets and canals of Amsterdam, the city affects each of them in different ways and changes their lives.
The Dinner
By Herman KochSet in Amsterdam, this psychological thriller unfolds over the course of a dinner at a fancy restaurant. The book’s protagonists are two couples – brothers and their wives. As they make small talk and peruse the menu, the reader gradually learns that their teenage sons have committed a horrifying crime. The novel delves into how far parents are willing to go to protect their children, and it's a gripping exploration of morality and family ties.
Tulip Fever
by Deborah MoggachSet in the 1630s in Amsterdam during the period of ‘Tulip Mania’, this novel tells the story of Sophia, a young woman married to an old merchant, Cornelis Sandvoort. When her husband commissions a portrait, Sophia falls in love with the painter. Together, they gamble on the booming market for tulip bulbs in the hope to make a fortune and run away together. It is a historical romance that portrays the madness of the tulip market and the lengths to which people will go for love.
The Girl with the Pearl Earring
by Tracy ChevalierThough not set in Amsterdam, but in the nearby city of Delft, it is reminiscent of the atmosphere of 17th-century Netherlands and worthy of mention. The novel is a fictional account of the creation of Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring". Griet, a 16-year-old girl, becomes a maid in Vermeer's household and eventually becomes a muse for his paintings. The novel explores themes of art, love, and the social dynamics of the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age.