42 pages • 1 hour read
Ian BurumaMurder in Amsterdam: Liberal Europe, Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Murder in Amsterdam: Liberal Europe, Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance by Ian Buruma investigates the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh by Mohammed Bouyeri and delves into the political and social climate of the Netherlands, exploring tensions between native Dutch and mostly Muslim immigrant communities. It examines themes of identity, history, and social responsibility while questioning the feasibility of multi-culturalism in liberal societies. The book discusses violent acts, religious extremism, and discrimination.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Murder in Amsterdam by Ian Buruma delves into the complex aftermath of Theo van Gogh's murder, examining themes of multiculturalism and extremism. Critics praise Buruma's balanced exploration and insightful analysis but note the narrative can be dense and occasionally meandering. The book's strength lies in its ability to provoke thoughtful discussion on pressing social issues.
Who Should Read Murder in Amsterdam?
A reader who enjoys Murder in Amsterdam by Ian Buruma is typically interested in political and cultural analysis, especially regarding immigration and Islam in Europe. They would appreciate works like The Clash of Civilizations by Samuel Huntington or The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid for their explorations of cultural tensions and identity.