Netherland, by Joseph O'Neill. I bought this book at a Barnes and Noble just to complete a 'buy two get one free' deal. It was a slow book that gradually grew on me the more I delved into it. It is the simple story of a Dutch immigrant, Hans, in New York City. Left alone in the city after 9/11 when his wife left him to go back to London, he is morose and solitary. But then he begins an unlikely friendship with a Trinidadian named Chuck Ramkissoon, who is charismatic, intriguing, with grand ideas and a sordid underside.
It is the game of cricket that arguably saves Hans from himself. He finds peace in it's simplicity and nobility. The cricket players in New York are all South Asian or West Indian, but they take care of each other and welcome Hans. While reading this book, I researched more about the game of cricket, because to be honest, I did not have any idea how it was played. Gratefully, now I have somewhat of an understanding of the game and the differences and similarities to baseball.
Chuck takes Hans under his wing, and talks about his big plans to build a giant cricket stadium and clubhouse on an abandoned air field. He teaches Hans how to drive, and introduces him to many of the other immigrants in New York. However, when Chuck reveals his criminal activities as a gangster, he pushes Hans away. Hans has by now has changed considerably, and is more sure of himself, and realizes that he must go back to London to spend time with his son and try to win his wife Rachel back. In the end Rachel does come back to him, and they work on saving their marriage. Hans learns that Chuck had been killed in some deal gone wrong.
It was a slow book, written as a reflection on the past by present day Hans. He delves into his memories growing up in the Netherlands with his single Mother. It is slow, but beautiful and rich. O'Neill writes many lines as if they were lines of poetry. It is an inner journey that Hans must navigate, and the relationship with Chuck is complicated and at times a little unbelievable. However, I did enjoy the book in the end, and would look to more titles from this author.
Four out of five stars.
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