- “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank: This poignant and renowned diary recounts the experiences of Anne Frank and her family as they hid from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam during World War II.
- “Tulip Fever” by Deborah Moggach: Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, this historical novel explores a love affair against the backdrop of the Dutch tulip trade, highlighting the city’s Golden Age.
- “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton: This atmospheric novel takes place in 17th-century Amsterdam and follows a young woman named Nella, who receives a mysterious miniature version of her own home, gradually uncovering its secrets.
- “The Coffee Trader” by David Liss: Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, this historical thriller follows Miguel Lienzo, a Jewish Portuguese trader, as he navigates the treacherous world of coffee trading, financial intrigue, and religious tensions.
- “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier: This historical novel imagines the story behind Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting and the relationship between the fictional model, Griet, and the artist in 17th-century Delft, near Amsterdam.
- “Amsterdam” by Ian McEwan: This satirical novel explores the ethical dilemmas faced by two friends, a composer and a newspaper editor, as they grapple with their shared past and their differing moral compasses in contemporary Amsterdam.
- “The Tea Lords” by Hella S. Haasse: This multigenerational saga traces the lives of a Dutch-Indonesian family involved in the tea industry in the Dutch East Indies and Amsterdam, offering a vivid portrait of colonial life and cultural identity.
- “The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old” by Hendrik Groen: Written as a fictional diary, this humorous and heartwarming novel follows the daily life and reflections of an elderly resident in an Amsterdam nursing home.
- “The Black Tulip” by Alexandre Dumas: Although not solely set in Amsterdam, this classic historical novel by Alexandre Dumas features the Dutch tulip mania of the 17th century, showcasing the city’s floral culture.
- “Amsterdam Stories” by Nescio: This collection of short stories by the Dutch author Nescio (pseudonym of Jan Hendrik Frederik Grönloh) offers glimpses into the lives of artists and dreamers in early 20th-century Amsterdam.
- These novels capture various periods of Amsterdam’s history, from its Golden Age to contemporary times, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Amsterdam
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