Best Dutch History Books of 2026

The Watchmaker's Daughter by Larry Loftis is a compelling biography of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker who saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II by turning her family's house into a hiding place for refugees. Despite losing most of her family and being sent to a concentration camp, Corrie managed to survive, forgive her captors and live the rest of her life as a Christian missionary. The book is a remarkable journey of faith and forgiveness, and it holds myriad lessons for readers today. This book is highly recommended for those interested in women's biographies and World War II nonfiction.

The book "Three Ordinary Girls" by Tim Brady tells the incredible true story of three young Dutch women who became spies, saboteurs, Nazi assassins, and heroes during World War II. Hannie Schaft and sisters Truus and Freddie Oversteegen were teenagers when they joined a small resistance cell in Haarlem, Netherlands. They risked their lives to shelter Jews, dissidents, and resisters, sabotaged Nazi targets, and carried out assassinations. The book sheds light on their little-known perspective of the Dutch resistance and their unwavering dedication to their cause. This harrowing and unforgettable book is a must-read for anyone interested in women's biographies and World War II history.

The Diary Keepers is a captivating book that brings World War II and the Holocaust to life through the diaries of Dutch citizens. Journalist Nina Siegal explores the experience of ordinary people during the war, using a collection of over two thousand Dutch diaries. The book sheds light on the stories of a Nazi sympathizing police officer to a Jewish journalist who documented daily activities at a transport camp. Siegal's search for answers about the Dutch Jewish community's fate during the war and the nature of resistance is both poignant and informative. The Diary Keepers is a must-read for anyone interested in Dutch history and World War II.

The Hiding Place is a remarkable memoir of Corrie Ten Boom, a courageous Christian spinster who, along with her sister, risked their lives to help Jews during the Nazi occupation of Holland. The book is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the human spirit in the face of unspeakable cruelty. The author's message of forgiveness and love is both inspiring and humbling. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the depth of human resilience and the power of faith in the darkest of times.

Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl is a powerful and moving account of a young girl's life during the Holocaust. Forced into hiding with her family and another family, Anne kept a diary of her experiences. This Definitive Edition includes material omitted from the original publication, providing a deeper insight into Anne's world. Her struggles with her emerging sexuality, conflicts with her mother, and relationships with those in hiding with her humanize her and make her story all the more heartbreaking. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.

Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto explores the history and unique geography of Amsterdam, delving into the city's enduring battle against the sea and the democratic philosophy it has fostered. Shorto weaves in his own experiences of living in Amsterdam to provide an engaging and surprising account of the city's evolution. This book is a masterpiece, fusing large cultural trends with intimately personal stories, and is a pleasure to savor on many levels. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Dutch history and the evolution of liberalism.

Churchill's Hellraisers by Damien Lewis is an enthralling account of one of the most daring raids of World War II. The story revolves around two paratroopers who, with the help of Italian resistance fighters, escaped POWs, downed US airmen, and a bagpipe-playing Scotsman known as "The Mad Piper," stormed a heavily guarded Nazi fortress north of the Gothic Line. The book is brilliantly researched and bracingly tense, making it a must-read for anyone interested in WWII history. Lewis' portrayal of the unsung heroes who dared the impossible is truly unforgettable. Overall, Churchill's Hellraisers is an excellent addition to any World War II library.

King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild is a compelling history book that reads like a novel. The author tells the story of King Leopold II of Belgium's brutal exploitation of the Congo River territory, which led to the death of ten million people. Hochschild also highlights the brave Africans, missionaries, and young idealists who fought against Leopold's atrocities, making it a deeply moving and inspiring tale. This book is a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist and a New York Times Notable Book, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in African history and human rights movements.

The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age by Simon Schama is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of Dutch culture during the Golden Age. Schama delves into the Dutch nation's mental state and how they attained an unprecedented level of affluence while constantly fearing being corrupted by happiness. He tells of everything from bloody uprisings and beached whales to the cult of hygiene and profligate tulip-speculators. Schama's use of period documents and art makes this an ambitious and inclusive history book that is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history.

Resistance: The Underground War Against Hitler, 1939-1945 by Halik Kochanski is a groundbreaking history book that provides a comprehensive account of the many resistance movements against Nazi rule in Europe. Kochanski's prodigious research and balanced judgments offer a panoramic view of how small groups of ordinary people from different walks of life took actions that led to their own deaths and the liquidation of their families and entire communities. The book also covers the sheer variety of resistance activities, from the clandestine press to the more violent manifestations of resistance. Overall, Resistance is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the fight against fascism.