Somewhere between 1250 and 1275, some farmers built a dam in the Amstel, an unimpressive river that flowed into the IJ about a kilometre away. A few houses were built around the dam and the river. ‘Aemstelredam’ was born and over time acquired the name we know today: ‘Amsterdam’.
Nowadays, we know Amsterdam as a small metropolis, a liberal and art-loving city that attracts millions of people every year. But Amsterdam is also a city with a mysterious and dark side.
In Amsterdam Noir fifteen Dutch writers unveil the dark sides of our society in an exciting and captivating story. And each story is like being in a film noir that takes place in a different Amsterdam neighbourhood, from Museumplein to Tuindorp Oostzaan and from Osdorp to Watergraafsmeer.
Each week, we read one story (or maybe two stories) and discuss the themes it covers. We also get to know prominent writers in contemporary Dutch literature such as Hannah Bervoets, Mensje van Keulen and Murat Isik.
There are only second hand editions and e-books of the book available. Please buy your own copy (for instance here).
Start: 15 September 2022 - End: 8 December 2022
Holiday: 20 October
