Beautifully written. I read it in one go. A moving and eventful family history. An unusual perspective that sheds new light on a part of history that should not be forgotten. Much admiration for Victor, Hilda, and their resilience. And for Birgit to jot down this complicated story about her father. The love and strong family bond are splashing off the page.

This book is written in a fluent style, with short chapters with a title, so you know what is to come. The reader is triggered to keep reading, as there's often a cliff-hanger at the end of the chapter. A beautiful historical piece that I highly recommend!

A book that makes me look at history differently. And also a personal story full of goodbyes, choices, and courage. Written in such a pleasant way that I can hardly put it down, and I can visualize it all.

Birgit has expressed this complex topic in such an accessible way. A job well done! A real-life story, full of emotions without lapsing into drama. Wonderful! I read it in one go – moreover, a historically valuable document. Highly recommended!

A gripping story about loneliness and a family secret. You also learn more about the Dutch East Indies during wartime.

A beautifully told history that you will not soon forget.

For me, this book highlighted a whole new aspect of the Second World War in the Dutch East Indies.

This book shows how things went during the various occupations of the Dutch East Indies and their consequences for Victor and his family, even well after World War II. The use of Malay words made you think you were right there. The hardest thing perhaps was to stop reading. Sometimes it felt like I was sitting next to Victor in one of the Tjemara trees in the garden of Grand Hotel Lembang, and I could watch everyone without them noticing me.

Today I traveled back in time. What an impressive family history! I read it in one day.

I'm really enjoying your book. I love the words you choose. The colourful descriptions. It's beautifully personal. The story sucks me up. I thank you for your discipline, imagination, and talent - so that many thousands of people can enjoy it now and learn from your family story.

A beautiful book written in a fascinating and moving way. It is a compelling story based on facts and written from a different perspective than the usual. Birgit was able to do this because the story is about her father, and she is very close to the main character, which has allowed her to describe things in a very personal way.