East India by Colin Falconer
ISBN: 9781621251798
Trade Paperback
Synopsis: In any other circumstance but shipwreck, rape and murder, a man like Michiel van Texel would never have met a fine lady such as Cornelia Noorstrandt.
He was just a soldier, a sergeant in the Dutch East India company’s army, on his way from Amsterdam to the Indies to fight the Mataram. Such a woman was far above the likes of him.
But both their destinies intertwine far away from Holland, on some god-forsaken islands near the Great Southland. When their great ship, the Utrecht, founders far from home, surviving the Houtman Rocks is the least of their worries.
As they battle to survive and the bravest and the best reveal themselves for what they are, Cornelia’s only hope is a mercenary in a torn coat who shows her that a man is more than just manners and money.
He makes her one promise: ‘Even if God forsakes you, I will find you.’
But can he keep it?
My review: As with other books I have read by Colin this book kept me intrigued from page one all the way through the end. I liked that it was about a part of the world that we don't get to read much about in historical fiction. The author did a great job in his character development and making them come to life. The setting of the book was also incredible the attention to detail was very good in the fact that you get a sense of being sent back in time. This book is weaved with adventure and excitement which helps the story move along quickly. You will find yourself reading long into the night as I did with this book. I am not sure still if I liked Cornelia or not, there were times I felt for her but then time I got frustrated. The story of the whole shipwreck and how the had to survive was very interesting to me. If you have not had a chance to try Colin's books yet I suggest you get started, he writes about strong women in history and makes each of them come alive on the pages for us.
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About the Author
Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.
He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.
He currently lives in Barcelona.
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