Ben Coates was born in Hertfordshire in 1982. After completing a Master's degree in Economics, he worked for several years in politics, including as an adviser to several leading politicians. In 2010, he moved to the Netherlands where he worked as a speechwriter for one of the world's largest companies. During his career he has ghost-written articles for numerous publications including the Guardian, Financial Times and Huffington Post, as well as many high-profile speeches. He currently lives in Rotterdam and works for an international charity. This is his first book.
In Why the Dutch are Different, a torch beam of scrutiny plays across the country's past and its lesser known foibles. Author Ben Coates has produced an insightful gem. Scotsman - Books of the Year A book as quietly appealing as its subject and full of fascinating details. Coates is entirely convincing in his affectionate portrait. -- Bronwen Maddox Prospect Vivid and informative. Coates intertwines the nation's journey to its modern iteration with his own adaptation to the Dutch lifestyle. An accomplished debut. Geographical I thoroughly recommend this book. Why the Dutch are Different provides the answers to all the questions I had but didn't dare ask about the Netherlands. I eagerly sat up late into the night reading, laughing often and enjoying the ride into my adopted homeland. DutchNews Fascinating. Thoroughly researched and well thought out, Why the Dutch are Different takes us on a journey that goes beyond red-lit windows and Anne Frank to the true depths of the country. Ben Coates's day-to-day life sits effortlessly alongside deeper dives into history and folklore. A friendly read that strikes the right balance between teaching and entertaining. The Bookbag One of the few books on our near-neighbour, Coates gets under the skin of a nation renowned for its liberalism. The Bookseller A striking portrait of the Netherlands in the 21st century, offering a refreshing and long overdue update of the way the Dutch national character is described. Edinburgh Book Review
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