"Below Sea Level: Notes on Life in the Netherlands" is a collection of essays and the author's notes on going abroad. The author followed her husband to the Netherlands and finally realized her wish to go out for a walk. But things went against his expectations. The author was not used to going from the world of flowers to the lonely land of the Netherlands. After trying all kinds of methods to no avail, the author could only "take it as it comes". The author's identity is neither a tourist nor an immigrant, which allows her to learn more about life and culture in a foreign country and reduce the pressure of life. During this period, the author came into contact with the most ordinary Dutch people, got close to their lives, looked at the West through the eyes of an ordinary Chinese, felt the differences between the East and the West from eating and dressing, and experienced curiosity, sigh, admiration and reflection.
Reader comments
This book truly records the author's life in the Netherlands and made me feel the differences between Eastern and Western cultures. The details of life in the Netherlands mentioned in the book, such as map annotations of the city center and store opening hours, etc., Gave me a more specific understanding of the Netherlands. I like the author's mentality of "taking care of yourself as you come". Even if you are in an unfamiliar environment, you can actively adapt and discover the beauty. This reminds me of my life running around in the city, and I must learn to cherish and enjoy every moment.
The author does not seem to mention in the book which year she went to the Netherlands. Judging from the publication time, it should be 12 years ago. I have been staying in the Netherlands in the past few years, and the Netherlands has changed a lot compared to the book. This perspective feels quite magical.
The author's writing style is humorous, vivid and tense, and has a strong sense of immersion. It is like a painting or a window, spelling out the polymorphous Netherlands of a certain period. "Being a stranger in a foreign land" and lacking a sense of belonging may always be the common mentality of Chinese people living in other countries.
Witty and interesting, very well written
Humorous language
A little different experience.
Good looking, witty and humorous [smile]
Very witty, the author is very interesting
A very good book, I like it!
Help readers objectively understand the Netherlands
I really admire the author's humorous and lively writing
It is rare to find novels on the Internet that describe the local customs and customs of the Netherlands, especially because they are so humorous!
This book truly records the author's life in the Netherlands and made me feel the differences between Eastern and Western cultures. The details of life in the Netherlands mentioned in the book, such as map annotations of the city center and store opening hours, etc., Gave me a more specific understanding of the Netherlands. I like the author's mentality of "taking care of yourself as you come". Even if you are in an unfamiliar environment, you can actively adapt and discover the beauty. This reminds me of my life running around in the city, and I must learn to cherish and enjoy every moment.
The author does not seem to mention in the book which year she went to the Netherlands. Judging from the publication time, it should be 12 years ago. I have been staying in the Netherlands in the past few years, and the Netherlands has changed a lot compared to the book. This perspective feels quite magical.
The author's writing style is humorous, vivid and tense, and has a strong sense of immersion. It is like a painting or a window, spelling out the polymorphous Netherlands of a certain period. "Being a stranger in a foreign land" and lacking a sense of belonging may always be the common mentality of Chinese people living in other countries.
Witty and interesting, very well written
Humorous language
A little different experience.
Good looking, witty and humorous [smile]
Very witty, the author is very interesting
A very good book, I like it!
Help readers objectively understand the Netherlands
I really admire the author's humorous and lively writing
It is rare to find novels on the Internet that describe the local customs and customs of the Netherlands, especially because they are so humorous!