The book follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum, which kills his mother. In the confusion following the explosion, he steals a priceless Dutch painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes his secret treasure and eventually draws him into the criminal underworld. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the power of art to shape human destiny.

"Return to Oegstgeest" is a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the author's childhood and adolescence in the small Dutch town of Oegstgeest during the pre and post-World War II era. The book delves into the author's troubled relationship with his stern, religious parents, his struggles with faith, and his burgeoning artistic and sexual awakening. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory, family, and the experiences that shape one's identity.

The novel explores the history of a fictional painting by Vermeer, as it passes through the hands of various owners. The narrative traces back from the present day to the time of the painting's creation, revealing the profound impact it has had on those who possessed it. The painting's subjects, a young girl in a blue dress, also becomes a symbol of beauty, loss, and the enduring power of art. The novel is a series of interconnected stories that together form a rich tapestry of human experience and the power of art to transform lives.

"The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.

The novel revolves around a middle-aged man who, after his twin brother's accidental death, is left to take care of the family farm and his ailing father in the Dutch countryside. Trapped by duty and familial expectations, he struggles with loneliness and the burden of an unfulfilled life. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the profound impact of family dynamics as the protagonist grapples with his past and the stark reality of his present circumstances. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the stark, flat landscape, mirroring the protagonist's internal desolation and longing for a different existence.