Uprooted: Dutch Immigrant Children in Canada, 1947-1959

by Anne van Arragon Hutten

The story of Dutch immigrant children in Canada. 1947-1959. I set out to write this book early in 1997 , I intended merely to tell a story. I was born during World War II, in Nazi-occupied Holland. My parents came to Canada in 1950 , bringing nine young children I completed Grade Ten at age fifteen and went to work in an underwear factory. i got married, gave birth to four sons, and entered the workforce again.

297 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2004

Reviews

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful in addition to my life experience of having been born in Canada yet lived in the Netherlands for 3 years as a child, then returned, and now working as a pastor among not only the people spoken of in the book, but their offspring. This book enhanced my own understanding of how a cerebral, traumatized-without-healing generation raised my generation, and helps me understand my generation. If the studies that show Residential school survivors' children, and Holocaust survivors' children often have worse residual effects than the generation that survived, are consistent to us, my generation has some catch up healing to do!
The book is 'heavy' in that it brings out painful realities. It is also somewhat repetitive, both of which make it a book that does not work to just sit and read one weekend. But as a record of numerous people's experiences through one person's filter it is invaluable, and will be more and more so as future generations try to look back and understand what shaped them.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent study of Dutch families in Canada. Having read this book, I gained new insight into how difficult the journey was from the Netherlands war torn by WWII and the promises of moving to a new country of Canada and facing the challenges of this move in the generations affected by this move. No matter where people move to and from there are major adjustments in respect to lifestyle changes and the views of living in a totally new environment. Her study is both academic and personal.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immigrated to Canada with my family when I was a baby. I don't remember any of it, but this book provided an incredible amount of insight into what my older sisters and our parents experienced. It also shed light on the actions and attitudes of many of the older Dutch people I know. Anne van Arragon Hutten has crafted a fascinating story of the immigration experience of many Dutch immigrants. She relates so many interesting accounts of hardship and suffering, as well as humorous stories. What these people experienced, especially those came in the 1940's and earlier, is absolutely astounding. I highly recommend this book for anyone with Dutch heritage.

[Heather]

Hello!!
This is a stretch, but do any of you reviewers have a copy of this book for sale? Two of my grandparents contributed their stories of immigration to Canada in this book. I would desperately like to own a copy.
Thank you!