Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam

by Lana Waite Holden

Escaping the violence of the Spanish Inquisition in the 1600s, Catalyntje Trico follows an unexpected path to the Dutch Colony of New Netherland. Creating a life in the New World tests her resolve to protect her family from the challenges they face in this isolated land that is their home. As her family faces war, weather, and death, Catalyntje must remain strong to guard against forces that could overcome them.
Her life opens a window to New Netherland, and as Catalyntje’s story unfolds, it becomes apparent that she was the only European to witness every day the colony existed.
Catalyntje’s poignant story is a tapestry woven with courage, determination, and love. It is a powerful reminder of the profound impact our individual lives can have on others, even for generations to come.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

Reviews

[ROGER E. BERG · Rating 4 out of 5]

So well researched

It was wonderful learning about Catalyntje Trico and about life in New Amsterdam in the 17th century. In a simple writing style the author truly brought the period to life and included so many interesting and important historical details that are generally not well known. A charming book.

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four stars for content. Two for writing quality and style, averages out to three.

I’m sorry to give this book a less than a great review because it clearly was a labor of love and a lot of work to research. I was fascinated to learn about the early settlement of the area, and C.’s life but I felt like so many opportunities were missed to make this a really gripping novel.

I guess I should acknowledge that being a gripping novel was probably not the author’s intent, but I found it tedious to read so much repetitiveness about planting the garden, for example. Or C. reflecting on her past. At the same time so many things that could’ve been flushed out were not. For example, while they were still up at Fort Orange, how did they suddenly come to have a horse?

How did they charge people at the taproom? Did they only use Wampam, or could you trade a zucchini for a beer? What sort of projects did Joris work on in the evening? What did they trade for and what did they have to make themselves? How big was their new house in Brooklyn?

How exactly do you fit 15 kids and their parents in a house in the 17th century? I know the garden was an important source of food, but did they also eat meat? Did they eat the chickens or just raise them for eggs? Did they have a dairy cow or only the goat milk? Did they make cheese, did they make butter?

I believe this is a self published book, so I won’t be too harsh on the editing, but there were quite a few typos .

[Marey Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Her story is so full of bravery and persistence!! Originally I am from Long Island, NY and thought that was where my Dutch family began. When I moved to NY's Capital District, I learned of Catalyntje's existence and my relationship to her, through at least three of her children. It made me feel more at home here! Ms. Holden brought her alive to me with her writing which I really appreciate. The story of Fort Orange, New Amsterdam and New Netherland is important to the history of our country. A book about a strong woman by a strong woman is important for all of us. I plan on giving a copy to my granddaughter so she knows!!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book club read. One of our book club member’s husband shared the story of his tenth great grandparents.

It was a fascinating historical read. Catalyntje lived a long life for the time period, well into her 80’s. There was much hardship and loss, but also so much love, sharing and support. It was interesting to read about the trading with the different Indian tribes, the establishing of a colony, and daily life struggles and accomplishments. Life was so much harder than. Babies, so many babies. She had 11 children and one of her daughters had 15! I liked learning about New York back in the beginning. The Dutch and English both vying for control over the new found colony. Highly recommend.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book the author contacted me because she knew Caralyntje's mother is my 10th great grandmother and the history and research she did in wriing this book is amazing. This is before there was a state called New York way back in the 16 and 1700s. Enjoy grat storytelling based on facts in history.

[Elly Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Catalyn Trico" was a pleasure to read, and is obviously the result of extensive research. What I liked best about the book was the detail Holden gave to the vast American wilderness. The woods and wildlife in the novel play like the important characters they are--but who are too often ignored by other authors. I would recommend "Catalyn Trico" to any history lover, and also to the naturalist.

[Fawn Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based closely on records of the real Catalyntje Rapalje, this is a fascinating YA novel about the earliest pioneer woman of what became known as New York. It is a story of resilience, hardship, and endurance featuring strong women in a forgotten chapter of history.

[Wildfyr · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was interesting history in here but so poorly written. The facts drove the narrative to much. There was no plot arc or character development. I feel she would have been better off just writing a history essay.

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Read

I like how Lana made Catalntje come to life. Thorough research done on the family history, New Netherland, and New Amsterdam. I like the ending, tying into today.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a fictioj book, it reads as non fiction which doesn't work

[Christina Tull · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough depiction of a time period I haven’t learned much about! Clearly well-researched. Worth noting that this is much closer to pure nonfiction than historical fiction.