Why the Dutch Are Different Audiobook By Ben Coates cover art

Why the Dutch Are Different

A Journey into the Hidden Heart of the Netherlands

Preview

Try for $0.00
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Why the Dutch Are Different

By: Ben Coates
Narrated by: Ciaran Saward
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $21.49

Buy for $21.49

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2015 Ben Coates (P)2021 Tantor
Anthropology Europe Netherlands Travel Writing & Commentary Western Europe Imperialism Netherlands History
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about Why the Dutch Are Different

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    55
  • 4 Stars
    19
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    55
  • 4 Stars
    12
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    46
  • 4 Stars
    19
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Oh mate!

Great story and narration. The author really takes you to through the places he visits.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Ah, the Netherlands

Vivid story telling about this country and it’s history. A good overview from a contemporary perspective.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A fun and informative read

I enjoyed the several chapters about the Dutch and how their country is distinct. I enjoyed the quick history and geography information.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Short and Enjoyable Tour of the Netherlands Past and Present

In case you had been wondering how the famous liberal social experiment of the Netherlands was faring, you need to look no further than Ben Coates’ book, which gives an excellent snapshot of what’s happening in the Netherlands today. In addition, the book provides a good potted history of the Netherlands, its fight for freedom from the Hapsburgs, the golden age and the harrowing years of WWII and the great starvation. If you want to get an insight into the Dutch, how they think and who they are, you could do no better. A very enjoyable read.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

go for it

a good read, informative, entertaining, light minded but should be taken seriously. I certainly recommended

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Well worth the listen!

Historical background intertwined with modern Netherlands. It was an excellent book to listen to in preparation for my upcoming trip to the Netherlands.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent preparation for upcoming trip!

This book is just the right mix of history, anecdote and personal story which allows for a wonderful introduction to the country.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Insightful and informative

The book draws from both historical and personal experiences of the next bat living in Rotterdam. The story is a clever intertwining of contemporary experiences and historical context, presenting a full explanation of “why the Dutch are different“. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great preparation for my upcoming trip!

Combo travelogue and history of the Netherlands, highly recommend if you are planning a visit!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful look at the Dutch and the Netherlands

A thoroughly entertaining and informative work, although perhaps a little too much time was spent on the discussion of football.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!