Aussie Ties

1947. Holland begins to rebuild its devastated cities after five long years of war. In Deventer the young Agatha Petit becomes a reporter for Het Vrije Volk. The day she is sent to report on a council meeting seems a day like any other until she meets the flamboyant sport’s journalist, Charles Ruys. Charles dreams of a new life outside Europe and Agatha is entranced by his charm and passion. Together with 1200 other emigrants, they board the Sibajakin Rotterdam, heading for the country of limitless possibilities: Australia. Following her divorce from Charles, Agatha marries the ex-marine Flip (Gerard Melman). They have four children and build new friendships. Slowly but surely, a secure future seems possible in their new country …

This fascinating memoir is not just a record of family adventures, often hilarious, sometimes painful. It captures the spirit of the fifties and sixties, and features a cast of colourful characters, exploring their successes and failures, loves and losses. It illustrates the resilience needed to make a life in a new country, without safety nets, where success can become failure in a heartbeat…. A wonderful read and an impressive family history!