Aussie Ties

<p>1947. Holland begins to rebuild its devastated cities after five long years of war. In Deventer the young Agatha Petit becomes a reporter for <em>Het Vrije Volk</em>. 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 <em>Sibajak</em>in 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 …</p><p>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! </p>