For 16-year-old Klara, a devastating flood reveals a dark family secret.
It is February 1953 in the Netherlands and Klara is expected to marry the son of a prominent farmer. In this small island community, steeped in tradition, the Church controls the lives of its citizens but Klara longs to escape. When a spring tide merges with a brutal storm it causes the dikes to breach, unleashing death and destruction that exposes a dark family secret.
“The backdrop of real historical events lends interest to this tale. The relative simplicity of the language and writing style make the difficult subject matter accessible to reluctant readers. Informative historical fiction written in a quaint, entertaining style.” – Kirkus
“The award-winning author was born in the Netherlands, and although this story is fictional, it is based on many actual events. She has written an exciting account of a very challenging time and created a strong female character who insists on following her own beliefs and dreams.” – BC Books for Schools
“A fast-paced and compelling story. There is barely a moment where the action lags, or where a detail feels out of place. The author does well to manage a large cast of characters and to weave a complex series of historical events around the story of Klara’s coming of age.” – Miramichi Reader
“This is a beautiful book that really has it all. Based on real and tragic events that took place in Dutch island communities during the 1950s, it is a gripping adventure story which offers a moving and detailed portrait of life at the time. The story’s protagonist is strong yet endearingly vulnerable, and it is impossible not to root for her. Although Klara’s lifestyle and its restrictions are very different from the experiences of most 21st century adolescent readers, her struggle for the right to self-determination is a timeless theme that everyone can relate to in some way. Attema’s world-building is also powerful. The author weaves a rich tapestry of this community’s daily life, and succeeds in placing the reader right in the middle of the action.” – Youngadulting
“This is an unforgettable story of survival. If you enjoy human drama set against historical events as much as I do, this is a book for you.” – Heather Stemp, author of Under Amelia’s Wing
