Books from Netherlands

Raven has always secretly loved Ares Windsor, the man destined to marry her older sister, Hannah, as part of their family's high-society marriage arrangements. When Hannah vanishes on her wedding day, Raven is forced to step in and marry Ares herself. Now bound to the man she adores, Raven must navigate a life where her feelings are unreciprocated, all while hoping to finally win his heart.

• marriage of convenience
• slow burn
• forbidden love

In 1954, Roos Beckman, who spends her days faking séances, follows a rich widow to a decaying estate where something feels wrong. When a murder happens, Roos is the prime suspect, and the spirit only she can see is part of the questioning.

• forced proximity
• forbidden love
• unreliable narrator
• morally grey

Billionaire Dion Windsor and pianist Faye have been engaged since childhood, but a 10-year age gap and Dion's hidden guilt over his parents' death kept him away for years. Forced to return for the wedding he can no longer avoid, Dion discovers Faye has a boyfriend and a hidden life. As he falls for the woman she truly is, he must decide if he can keep her in a marriage she never wanted, especially when all she desires is freedom.

• marriage of convenience
• second chance
• slow burn
• forced proximity

In 1887 Netherlands, Lucy's twin sister Sarah is wasting away, fixated on a corpse and exhibiting disturbing behavior. While a doctor dismisses it as fever-induced madness, Lucy suspects something far more sinister is at play. As Sarah's condition worsens, Lucy must confront a monstrous truth to save her sister, even as she guards her own secrets.

• morally grey
• sacrifice

Rutger Bregman makes a bold case for utopian thinking in 'Utopia for Realists.' He revisits radical ideas like a universal basic income and a shorter workweek, arguing that we can build a better future by moving past conventional political thought. This book encourages a fresh look at what societal progress is truly achievable.

Rutger Bregman's "Humankind" challenges the idea that people are inherently selfish. He presents a compelling case for our innate goodness, suggesting that a more optimistic view of humanity can lead to positive societal change. This book offers fresh perspectives on how we can build a better world by understanding our true nature.

Taken on her 21st birthday to settle a family's debt, she is handed to Angel DeLuca, who has 21 days to break her before she uncovers his lies. A standalone dark romance with graphic violence.

After her sister's death, a young woman enrolls at Spine Ridge University, determined to uncover the truth and make the responsible party pay. Her quest for vengeance leads her to the Skull & Serpent Society, where three ruthless members—Felix, Dylan, and Alistair—offer a dangerous deal: her body in exchange for a glimpse into their violent world. As she's drawn deeper into their depravity, her desire for revenge begins to intertwine with something far more intense and potentially deadly.

• revenge
• dark academia
• forced proximity
• morally grey

This collection brings together five distinct voices, each exploring the profound and often unsettling connections between humanity and the natural world. From the visceral to the sublime, these stories examine the very essence of what it means to be alive, to feel, and to exist within the flesh. Prepare for a journey through diverse landscapes and intimate experiences that will linger long after the final page.

On a quiet street in downtown Amsterdam, the founder of a new religious society/commune--a group that calls itself "Hindist" and mixes elements of various "Eastern" traditions--is found hanging from a ceiling beam. Detective-Adjutant Gripstra and Sergeant de Gier of the Amsterdam police are sent to investigate what looks like a simple suicide, but they are immediately suspicious of the circumstances. This now-classic novel, first published in 1975, introduces Janwillem van de Wetering's lovable Amsterdam cop duo of portly, worldly-wise Gripstra and handsome, contemplative de Gier. With its unvarnished depiction of the legacy of Dutch colonialism and the darker facets of Amsterdam's free drug culture, this excellent procedural asks the question of whether a murder may ever be justly committed.

'De avond is ongemak' is het schrijnende verhaal van een religieus boerengezin dat wordt getroffen door de dood van een kind. Matthies komt op een dag niet meer terug van het schaatsen en laat zijn zusje Jas in totale verwarring achter. Door de ogen van de dertienjarige Jas zien we hoe de familieleden elk op hun eigen manier omgaan met het verlies. Vader en moeder zijn volledig verlamd door verdriet en zien niet hoe Jas en haar zusje Hanna en haar broer Obbe ondertussen langzaam ontsporen. Onder leiding van Obbe ondernemen ze morbide experimenten met dieren en Hanna en Jas dromen hartstochtelijk van een Redder, een man als Boudewijn de Groot, een man die hen mee kan nemen naar de Overkant en hen in kan wijden in de geheimen van hun seksualiteit. Marieke Lucas Rijneveld (1991) geldt als een van de grootste talenten van de Nederlandse letteren. In 2015 debuteerde ze met de meermaals herdrukte dichtbundel 'Kalfsvlies', die werd bekroond met de C. Buddingh' Prijs voor het beste poëziedebuut.

A young girl grapples with the sudden death of her older brother, retreating into a world of her own making. As she navigates her family's grief and the unsettling changes around her, her imagination blurs the lines between reality and a disturbing fantasy. This story delves into the psychological impact of loss and the dark corners of childhood innocence.

• unreliable narrator

This collection presents three compelling mysteries, including a chilling account of a massacre in Maine. Readers are drawn into the intricate investigations, exploring the dark corners of human nature and the relentless pursuit of justice. The stories delve into the complexities of police work in various settings, from the quiet landscapes of Maine to the bustling streets of Amsterdam.

Explore the enduring legacy of Erasmus, the most celebrated thinker and polemicist of the early modern era, whose ideas on tolerance, education, and anti-nationalism resonate powerfully today. This comprehensive volume presents his seminal work, 'In Praise of Folly,' alongside selections from his 'Adages,' 'Colloquies,' and personal letters. Discover the daily life, friendships, and intellectual battles of this influential humanist through an expertly curated collection.

• epistolary

This book explores the long-held belief that your birthday influences your personality and how you interact with others. It details characteristics associated with being born on specific days and months, offering insights into individual traits. The book aims to help readers understand themselves and their relationships through the lens of birthdate astrology.

Lauren instantly recognizes Joel Rockwell upon meeting him in Indonesia, despite never having seen him before. She feels an inexplicable, strong connection to him, as if they've known each other forever. However, Joel is engaged to another woman, leaving Lauren to question the meaning of these powerful bonds and the possibility of a future together.

• forbidden love

This book explores the origins and evolution of wargames, from ancient combat simulations to modern computer games. It examines who played them, why, and how their development mirrors changes in real-life warfare. The text considers which aspects of war these games capture or omit, and what they reveal about human nature and the conduct of war throughout history.

This collection features short stories from a diverse group of female authors, exploring themes of identity, society, and the future. Each piece offers a unique perspective, showcasing a range of styles and voices. It's a look at contemporary issues through a speculative lens.

• multiple povs

Explore the grim realities and strategic challenges of future warfare in this tenth volume of the acclaimed anthology series. Leading authors present a collection of stories that delve into the evolution of combat, technology, and the human element on the battlefield. Prepare for a stark look at the conflicts yet to come.

• multiple povs

Gloria Wekker examines 'mati work,' a long-standing practice among Afro-Surinamese working-class women who choose alternative family structures over traditional marriage, often with both male and female sexual partners. Wekker provides a detailed look into the lives of these women, exploring their unique sexuality beyond conventional categories. This analysis offers new insights into Caribbean women's experiences, transnational LGBTQ+ movements, and an Afro-Surinamese tradition that questions Western ideas of marriage, gender, and desire.

• found family