The Undutchables: An Observation of the Netherlands, Its Culture And Its… (1993)

on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 I wrote about this book:

I had read the reviews on amazon a while ago and that got me interested.
Today I discovered this book in a second hand book store so had to see what it was about.
It seems that most Dutch think this book is funny, but people from other countries think it is offending.

If you don't believe everything you read you will have fun.
I was laughing out loud.

On Friday, March 31, 2006 I wrote more:

Wow, This was a fast read. After I had registered this book I had to read it, and could not stop. Yes some things are not flattering, I know, but OMG, I have laughed so much reading this.
Especially about the part that when we excuse ourselves we say "sorry hoor" , now I realize that sounds for a Foreigner like you sorry whore. ROTFLMAO
I am very glad I bought it. it was well worth the money.

Hey zzz when are you going to read it? (I thought you had but i do not see a review) ;) ( )

I read this book before marrying a Dutch man, and wanting to think only positive thoughts about my soon to be new country, was hurt by some of the writings in the book. After living in Holland for ten years, I have to agree with most of what is in the book. The Dutch are passive-aggressive people,liking you to your face or for a few months, but when not quickly learning their language, they become distant and cliquish. I tried to fit in with going to church, joining groups, and whatever anyone suggested, but I seemed to be on the fringe most of the time. My age had a lot to do with since I was 59, youngish but still not able to join the young people in bars and concerts to establish myself. I did go to college to learn the language, a horrendous experience since they were trying out a new way to teach....it didn't work! So, in rereading the book, I now am amused that it is so true about most things i.e. dog poop anywhere and everywhere. I asked a Dutch friend why she did not pick up her dog's droppings and she said "that is why I pay for the dog license. Let them clean it up". I was scolded constantly for wanting English translations for medical terms. "Why don't you go back to America?" was the standard comment in the medical society, so I ended up taking my hubby to every appointment, where they then treated me more civilly. As I left the country to return with hubby to California, my doctor said he was sorry he treated me as he did. "We look at foreigners as if they are here to get our welfare money". All in all, I would do it all again, but read more and not think the UnDutchables is an unfair concept of the Netherlanders. It is true, but they are wonderful people once they accept you and that you truly want to be a part of them. Reading this book will provide many laughs, and if you have lived through some of it, some sad moments of remembering, but .I heartily recommend this book as a gift to anyone even remotely interested or connected to the Netherlands. I have bought this book as a gift for many, and my Dutch relatives by marriage love it. Yes, the Dutch are tolerant, even when being joked about.

Remember, take all of the reading with a grain of salt and know that a lot of it is an exaggeration, written years ago and every now and then updated. Every country has it foibles and the Dutch have fewer than some countries. Don't use this book as a travel book but as a humorous (in parts) way to understand another countries cultures and traditions. ( )

Unfortunately, with a few exceptions, I don't see what was so funny in this book. Instead, it reads to me more like a xenophobe's guide to the Netherlands, and not in a very good way.

The chapters talking about the odd Dutch houses made me laugh - and you would too if you saw these crazy narrow stairs!!! But when they discussed the attitude of the Dutch I thought they were a bit off the mark.

With a very few exceptions, I have had nothing but positive experiences here. I have yet to see a protest, or be faced with undue bureaucracy despite having obtained permanent residency. However, the book was first written in the 80's, and updated periodically since. I wonder if some of the attitudes portrayed by the writers belongs to another era, or another generation.

So, at the end of the day, given the glaring inaccuracies based on my own experiences, I cannot recommend this book. Maybe I took the book too seriously, and that is entirely possible, however I did not enjoy reading it. ( )

An Englishman and an American both have lived in the Netherlands (a.k.a. Holland) for a considerable amount of time. In an extremely funny (although at times somewhat exaggerated) way the authors describe the Dutch and the ways these people have - which may seem strange for a foreigner.
This pageturner is a nice intro to the Dutch for foreigners, and very recognisable for the Dutch themselves.
Available in (at least) English and Dutch.

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