- Paperback: 308 pages
- Publisher: Colin White & Laurie Boucke; 6 edition (13 Mar 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1888580445
- ISBN-13: 978-1888580440
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14.7 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
13,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #17 in Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Social Sciences > Anthropology > Customs & Folklore > Customs
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A book which tells you, very good humourdly and very straight about the Dutch Culture and its people. As a Dutch national living in the UK for twenty years I read the book with mixed feelings ( Iam not like that! I don't do that!) But is has been a joy to read .It has certainly been interesting how people see us gloggies. If you are dutch and live abroad this is the book to give to your friends ( after you have read it yourself). It will show that through all the funny little quirks and mannerisms the dutch are a generous and caring nation ( most of us).
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My now husband brought me this book when I had just moved to Holland, I knew hardly anything about Dutch culture apart from the usual, Clogs, Tulips and how flat it was (oh and the 'coffee shops'). I read it and didnt really find many of the traits and quirks relative to how I saw Dutch life, that was until I had been there a few months, every now and then something would crop up and it would remind me of something I'd read in the book, it was only then after reading it again I thought how funny and well written it was. My husband, (obviously Dutch) thought it was funny and true enough to give to me, to, in his words "break me in gently to living in Holland". I started calling him Clog after I read it and 10 yrs later so does everyone else
I have had to rebuy the book 3 times after I lent it out to friends and family, never got them back as they in turn lent it to their friends. So all in all a funny book, not to be taken seriously, it's just an insight into Dutch life.
Have a read, even if you have never been Holland or know anyone Dutch.
I have had to rebuy the book 3 times after I lent it out to friends and family, never got them back as they in turn lent it to their friends. So all in all a funny book, not to be taken seriously, it's just an insight into Dutch life.
Have a read, even if you have never been Holland or know anyone Dutch.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This enjoyable little book first caught my eye 20 years ago. Its longevity speaks volumes. The authors (a Brit and an American) spent a combined total of 22 years living in the Netherlands. Throughout the years I've read some of the updated versions and have found that the book has evolved along with Dutch society. The book makes a lot more sense and seems a lot more funny if you have lived in the Netherlands or if you have Dutch relatives.
Chapter 1 gives a brief history of the Netherlands. The other chapters cover different aspects of Dutch life and customs in a mainly humourous fashion. One of my favourite passages is the one about how the Dutch drink their beloved coffee. Another funny part discusses Dutch toilets. There is a chapter covering the Dutch in their former colonies and other places where they have been very influential. The 3 appendices contain some amusing and helpful material about the Dutch language such as a list of Dutch-English words that sound similar (false cognates) but when used incorrectly can be embarrassing.
As for the writing style, the book paints a caricature, using humour, exaggeration and other elements to expose and describe quirks, habits and traits, not all unique to Netherlanders but that create a colourful cocktail or mosaic of these interesting people. I have given copies to several Dutch friends and it is always well received. Indeed, they tell me the book is a laughing mirror, and they like the book title.
Chapter 1 gives a brief history of the Netherlands. The other chapters cover different aspects of Dutch life and customs in a mainly humourous fashion. One of my favourite passages is the one about how the Dutch drink their beloved coffee. Another funny part discusses Dutch toilets. There is a chapter covering the Dutch in their former colonies and other places where they have been very influential. The 3 appendices contain some amusing and helpful material about the Dutch language such as a list of Dutch-English words that sound similar (false cognates) but when used incorrectly can be embarrassing.
As for the writing style, the book paints a caricature, using humour, exaggeration and other elements to expose and describe quirks, habits and traits, not all unique to Netherlanders but that create a colourful cocktail or mosaic of these interesting people. I have given copies to several Dutch friends and it is always well received. Indeed, they tell me the book is a laughing mirror, and they like the book title.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
ignorant and humourless
Very disappointing!!Having lived in the Netherlands for twenty years I have found them generally friendly,open and very hospitable. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2010 by Mrs. H. W. Baker
A Bible for Expats in the Netherlands
This is the book that everyone talks about in the expat community in the Netherlands. It paints a clear and revealing picture about life in the Netherlands, and what makes the... Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2009 by Amanda van Mulligen
Not as funny as I was led to believe...
I agree with the other reviewers giving this one star. I have lived in the Netherlands for more than 6 months now and am well versed in their idiosyncrasies, so I failed to see... Read more
Published on 2 July 2009 by SP
JCM
After living in Holland for 5 years, I have ordered and read this book just now. I found the book disappointing, I had bigger expectations after reading some reviews, it made me... Read more
Published on 9 April 2008 by JCM
Scary how much is true!
I bought this book just today, not from Amazon, but in a local Dutch bookstore. Being Dutch, born and raised, I'm surprised at how much of this is actually true! Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2007 by M. L. Griffioen
lighten up
I think some of the people who wrote the reviews below should lighten up. The book is funny to read and should not be taken as an attack towards the dutch. Read more
Published on 23 May 2005 by Nathalie Van de Voorde
Even the Dutch love it
The book was given to me by my |Dutch boss on my first day working in the wonderful Netherlands. Perhaps this ability to laugh at oneself is one of the reasons British tv humour is... Read more
Published on 21 April 2005
unreadables
The book seems to have an identity crisis. Is it a guide to living in Holland or a humorous look at Dutch society? It tries to be both but fails to be either. Read more
Published on 24 Jan 2005
Unreadables
The book seems to have an identity crisis. Is it a guide to living in Holland or a humorous look at Dutch society? It tries to be both but fails to be either. Read more
Published on 18 Jan 2005
Complete Garbage (... and Even Offensive)
I live almost four years in the Netherlands and I got to know the Dutch people quite well. There are many Dutch people who are very kind and open and most of them actually have... Read more
Published on 4 July 2003 by Elad Harison
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