The Orphan of Good Hope

by Roxane Dhand

Life is gruelling for the young women in Amsterdam’s civic orphanage. The sole light in Johanna Timmerman’s existence is her forbidden love for Frans, an orphan in the boys’ section who has a smile like sunshine. Then he is gone, whisked across the globe to the Dutch East India Company’s nascent colony at Good Hope.

Floriane Peronneau’s privileged world is pleasant and fulfilling until she discovers that it is all built on manipulation and lies. Far from being the devoted gentleman he seems, her husband Claes is a womanising degenerate who has led them to the edge of utter ruin. The forces closing in on him are pitiless, and time is short.

While Johanna’s anguish drives her to sell off her future in a desperate bid to retain hope in the present, Floriane is caught up in a terrifying game of cat and mouse. The two women’s lives could not be more different. Yet, on the long, dangerous voyage to the southern tip of Africa, they will become the best of friends – and co-conspirators...

This riveting novel of seventeenth century romance and intrigue sweeps the reader from the canals of Amsterdam, across the waves, to the rough-and-tumble frontier town at the Cape of Good Hope.

432 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Rox Dhand is an acclaimed historical fiction author. Her passion for storytelling began in childhood, spinning tales for her sisters in the back of the family car. Today, that same curiosity drives her to unearth forgotten fragments of history, asking "what if?" until she has to write the full story down.

Dhand is particularly drawn to giving a voice to the voiceless, especially the untold stories of women left out of the history books. Her meticulously researched work, which includes The Pearler's Wife, The Orphan of Good Hope, and The Trouble with Tigers, weaves compelling narratives with a rich sense of time and place. A seasoned traveler, she grounds each of her books in a kernel of truth discovered on her journeys.

Her next book, set in Poland during the Nazi occupation, is based on a true story, with every scene grounded in real historical events and personal accounts.

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

3.5 stars

From the bestselling author of The Pearler’s Wife comes The Orphan of Good Hope. Roxane Dhand has composed an all embracing tale of adventure, mystery, love, friendship, betrayal and the lure of distant lands.

Set in the late 1600s, we begin the journey of The Orphan of Good Hope in Amsterdam. In the depths of an orphanage in the European city, we meet Johanna Timmerman. Johanna loves fellow orphan Frans, but when Frans is cruelly moved from the orphanage and deported to the other side of the world, hope for this couple fades away. Alongside this story we have Floriane Peronneau’s journey. A woman from a world of wealth and good fortune, when Floriane learns of the truth behind her privileged existence, it shatters her world. Devastated by her husband’s philandering ways and dodgy deals, Floriane knows her husband is close to ruin and he will take her down with him. As Johanna works to gain a passage to the Cape of Good Hope which will reunite her with Frans, she makes an ill-fated deal. It leads Johanna into the path of Floriane, who is also playing her own dangerous game. These two very different souls find that they have more in common than they first realised. Johanna and Floriane will need to rely on each other as they make their voyage to the Cape of Good Hope.

Hailing from Kent, England, Roxane Dhand is a retired public relations professional and French Teacher. Dhand has a passion for storytelling and although I am yet to read her first novel, The Pearler’s Wife, I was keen to dip into the pages of The Orphan of Good Hope. Dhand’s second novel is a historical saga with elements of romance, mystery and adventure. The Orphan of Good Hope will appeal to readers who enjoy the escapism offered by far-off lands and times past.

The Orphan of Good Hope opens in Amsterdam 1683, this is a time period and destination that really captured my interest. I have had the privilege of being able to visit Amsterdam in the past and thanks to The Orphan of Good Hope, plenty of images from this alluring European destination flashed past me as I read this book. I enjoyed the Amsterdam based sequences and I felt that Dhand did an effective job of issuing her readers with a number of authentic and compelling descriptions of this unique locale. We are also privy to the heartbreaking and unjust orphan experience through the eyes of leads Johanna and Frans. My heart tore in two for these lovers as they were separated. I think Dhand managed to successfully capture the emotions of this emotional setback.

Dhand has issued her readers with two very strong and colourful leads. Both Johanna and Floriane are well rendered and readers will be sure to admire the core qualities that both these characters possess. It is hard not to get caught up in their emotions, hardships, setbacks and triumphs. The style of narration Dhand has employed also ensures that the reader is aware of the innermost thoughts and feelings of these characters. Throughout the journey of The Orphan of Good Hope we are confronted with a number of serious themes from violence, hardship, slavery, injustice, and a lack of agency, cruelty, suppression, betrayal, extortion and more. This adds plenty of colour and intrigue to the unfolding tale.

The lure of distant and exotic Cape of Good Hope managed to capture my full attention. I can’t say that I have encountered many books in my reading career that have been set in this African locale. It was a fascinating and insightful glimpse into a faraway land. I am also not too familiar with the pocket of time depicted in this novel, so Dhand provided plenty of historically interesting material to consider within her narrative, which was clearly informed by a significant amount of research.

At the back of the book, following the conclusion of The Orphan of Good Hope, a five page Author’s Notes spread provides some further information as to the inspiration and historical background to this novel. A glossary of terms also assists the reader with the Dutch based language insertions that are filtered through Dhand’s book.

The Orphan of Good Hope started on a high note for me, I was certainly intrigued by the premise. However, Roxane Dhand’s slow burn pacing approach which seemed to extend a significant portion of the novel made this story a hard one to wade through. I did continue on out of interest just to see how things would eventuate for these characters. Despite these reservations, The Orphan of Good Hope was an enlightening story that I found brought to light an interesting place, time and set of characters.

*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in an interesting era and fascinating part of the world this story had me keen to settle in.
The relocation of Dutch orphan maidens to Colony of South Africa to help with the women shortage, a corrupt and devious official and some remarkable friendships all key to this historical saga.
Johanna and her closest friends from the orphanage embark on the long journey to South Africa to marry rich single locals after they become of age.
Johanna using the passage to fulfil an ulterior motive and reunite with Frans, a boy from the Orphanage who was heading there too.
Florianne discovers her lavish world and marriage is built on lies and deceit.
Her husband, an official of the Dutch political circles, is devious and dishonest.
They embark on the journey as well under the guise of official promotion.
A friendship forming between them, blurring social hierarchies and creating a formidable alliance.
Making not only the long journey bearable but the re settlement easier.
The bond helping to unravel corruption, find new loves and cement dreams.
It was a slow burn for the first half, but did set the scene.
The second half had some flurries of excitement and consolidated the storylines. Imagery of an era and places is normally formed when reading, bringing the words to life but for some reason this did not happen for me.
The detail and Dutch words scattered adding authenticity to story that had a great premise and satisfied my learning of facets of history I haven’t encountered in the fiction world.
I will definitely seek out Roxane’s first book.

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins in an Orphanage in Amsterdam in the 1600s. It’s a love story of two orphans Johanna and Frans. Frans is whisked away to continue his apprenticeship building Windmils at the cape of Good Hope. Johanna and 7 other orphans are chosen to sail to the Cape, to make suitable wives for the men there. Floriane is a young woman who is married to Claes a womaniser and gambler who is in debt up to his ears and corrupt in every way. Claes is offered a position in the Cape to assist with the marriages of the orphans and to expand the orphanages coffers . They sail on a ship, Florian and Johanna make friends and conspire to take down Claes. Through all this Johanna stays true to Frans by not accepting a suitor that Claes has chosen.
This is a lovely story of romance, intrigue and history. A Good read from beginning to end.

[Katie Piatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real page-turner, with an authentic story set in the 1600s. It follows orphans Johanna and Floriane from the Amsterdam civic orphanage as they travel across the ocean to the Cape of Good Hope. Their journey is in order to meet the demand for women to marry the Dutch workers of the East India Company. Along the way they become friends, find love and encounter loss, violence, mystery and redemption.

It was a pleasure to take the journey with these strong, female characters and learn more about this period of history.

[Ann Rawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amsterdam, 1683. The novel opens with the orphan of the title, Johanna Timmerman, on her way to Divine Service. The setting is alien, exotic, but the two by two crocodile of girls is instantly familiar, along with the warmth of her friendship with her fellow orphans, the care Johanna shows for the younger girls and soon, her shy attraction to the boy with the long eyelashes and golden curls, Frans de Jong.

The two young people meet secretly – contact between the boys and girls at the orphanage being forbidden. Frans tells Johanna he is going to the Good Hope colony, to build windmills. Soon after, Johanna’s beloved housemother dies, and she is more alone than ever.

Floriane Peronneau is married to Claes van Loon, the new regent of the orphanage. She is accosted by sheriff Erik de Witt in a private box at the theatre, and he tells her that van Loon is a jewel thief, a gambler, and a philanderer. Floriane doesn’t want to believe DeWitt, she loves her husband, but she soon discovers the truth, and shocked by the betrayal, agrees to investigate further.
When van Loon is offered a position at the colony, he cooks up a lucrative scheme to marry off orphan girls to local burghers. Johanna is one of eight volunteers to sign a contract with the Dutch East India Company, although she is planning to break her word and follow the golden-haired boy, Frans de Jong.

Floriane accompanies her husband, while pretending to be sick to keep him at a distance. She plans to uncover his corruption and gain revenge and freedom. Johanna and Floriane become unlikely friends and allies on the long voyage to Good Hope.

All these threads of the story are carefully interwoven. There’s violence, danger and heart-stopping moments on the journey and when they arrive at the colony it seems impossible that Johanna’s plans can possibly work out – not just because of the active opposition of von Loon, but because of the rules and bureaucracy of the Dutch East India company. The behaviour of the ship’s Captain of the ship and then the Governor, while not actively unkind, is a reminder that women’s lives were constrained whether they were poor like Johanna, or rich and privileged like Floriane.

The VOC administration in Good Hope depended heavily on slave labour. Johanna and Floriane have a very modern sensibility around the issue of slavery, and made me wonder how likely their views would have been. Perhaps two women whose lives were constrained by the contemporary bureaucracy and social mores were more likely to empathise with the enslaved people they encountered, who were also deprived of basic freedoms.

Although Johanna is the main character, and is sympathetically brought to life – we glimpse her thoughts, and share her emotions from the start - Floriane’s story is more compelling. Both characters survive in very hierarchical, patriarchal world. Johanna’s courage comes from naïve youthfulness, but Floriane understands more fully the risks she takes. Floriane’s slowly developing romance with Merkel Rosenmüller, the second in command at Good Hope, is satisfying. After sharing in Floriane’s distress at discovering her husband’s many betrayals, and seeing what it costs her to hide her feelings as she continues her investigation, it’s heart-warming to see her gradually risk her heart again.

The investigation into Van Loon’s crimes is skilfully handled. It’s impossible to forget the orphanage housemother’s words to Johanna, ‘Hurry and pay the uytkoop, or you will lose everything,’ in all the scenes where van Loon is looking for ways to line his own pockets. There are some terrifying moments while Floriane searches for the missing jewels and it seems impossible that she will find the necessary evidence against her husband.

Dhand evokes a vivid sense of time and place throughout the novel, which is clearly based on excellent research. The occasional Dutch words are mostly decipherable by context, although there is an appendix. The story comes to life against a richly detailed background – from the clothes, the furnishings and architecture of Church, orphanage and theatre, the streets and alleys of Amsterdam and later in the book, the rough unpaved streets – heaped with steaming manure – of the young colony at Good Hope.

The Author’s Note at the end of the book discusses the ways in which research inspired aspects of the story, including the fact eight female orphans really did choose to risk all and travel to Good Hope to marry colonists.

The Orphan of Good Hope is more romance than suspense, but there is more than enough of both to create a real page turner and an emotionally rewarding read. Highly recommended for anyone who loves history, with a helping of mystery and romance.

[Jessica Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://jessjustreads.com

Roxane Dhand’s historical fiction novel The Orphan of Good Hope is a sweeping saga about family, inheritance, truth, friendship and fighting for what’s just. Featuring multiple settings and grandiose locations, The Orphan of Good Hope features two strong female protagonists as they fight for their place in a world dominated by dishonest men.

Setting is a leading strength in Roxane’s novel. Initially, we’re engulfed in the canals of Amsterdam; readers will feel enticed and seduced by the European location. Johanna, in particular, feels most at home here. She’s hopeful and uplifted by those around her, and she’s falling in love with fellow orphan Frans. There’s a lot ahead of her.

Whilst we do spend a portion of the book in South Africa, the time spent aboard the ship is where Johanna and Floriane’s journeys really flourish. Here, there’s opportunity. Johanna is determined to pursue the connection with her love interest, and Floriane endeavours to extricate herself from her cheating, thieving husband.

I do think there was more scope to incorporate the weather. In all locations, most scenes are set indoors but there still felt like a distinct lack of temperature or scenery embedded into the chapters. How did the bitter snap of Amsterdam make the ladies feel? And how does this compare the windswept journey aboard the ship? Did they feel more free? And in South Africa, the heat? The landscape? I felt like Roxane never really focused on any of these elements, and it was a missed opportunity to set the locations apart.

“Almost eight years ago, Johanna had made this journey in reverse, but her memories were no help now. She followed behind as they turned right on Kalverstraat, crossed over Dam Square with its town hall and weighing house, and traipsed across a humped bridge to where people, crowds of them, shouted and jostled on the greasy cobbles.”

Split into three parts, The Orphan of Good Hope is written in intimate third person POV, allowing the reader to move between Johanna and Floriane’s perspectives. Johanna is young, but intelligent. She’s mature and measured. She takes chances; she’s distracted by love and the future, but she’s also cautious about her surroundings and her unknown future. Floriane, on the other hand, is older but a little daft. She’s oblivious to her husband’s secrets, and a little slow to catch on. It likely stems from her privilege in society. Whilst she eventually forges a path for herself, determined to leave her husband behind, it did take a bit of time to warm to Floriane. She’s not as relatable.

At times, the POV was a little stilted — the transitions weren’t always seamless — particularly because for most of the novel, Floriane and Johanna were in the same location so it was a little tougher to initially tell the two perspectives apart.

Despite this, I did really enjoy The Orphan of Good Hope. I always gravitate towards historical fiction, particularly any that have strong female protagonists. The exotic locations drew me into the story, and the plot and twists kept me turning the pages. I was determined to find out how Floriane and Johnana’s stories would resolve, and what their lives would look like at the end of the book.

“He crept away without interrupting them, but anger was boiling within him. Backed into a recess at the side of the ship, Claes concealed himself in darkness and chewed on his lip till blood seeped into his mouth. Slipping his hand inside his coat, he fingered his short-bladed dagger in its sheath at his belt.”

Layered within the story are hints of violence, betrayal, mystery and danger. Women weren’t safe in the 1600s, no matter where they were. Men couldn’t always be trusted, and Johanna has to be incredibly vigilant and aware of her surroundings, the threat of danger looming, forever on the cusp.

Floriane also finds herself in some potentially dangerous situations, particularly when she’s working against her husband and trying to catch him out for his thievery and dishonesty. Roxane builds tension with slow and measured scenes — The Orphan of Good Hope is a slow-build, a historical novel simmering with intrigue and possibility.

“Time on board ship passed slowly but, still, days eventually turned into weeks, and there were even moments when time got away from Johanna.”

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, and sweeping sagas with a large cast and a faraway setting.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine Labram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. There is a cast of well- drawn appealing characters ( apart from the sinister Claes who stalks through the book with a menacing presence). The minor characters make the book very readable and I enjoyed the friendship between Johanna and Floriane which runs through the book. The historical research that the author has undertaken in Amsterdam and South Africa is obvious and adds to the quality of the book.

The story is well paced and keeps one engaged and interested - occasionally holding your breath! There are lots of different scenarios with an ending that is satisfying and realistic.

I enjoyed the first book by this author but this is even better in my opinion with an original and different type of historical basis. I think you won’t be disappointed if you read it!

[Hilary Herson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't we all love a tale of corruption and subterfuge where the transgressor finally gets his just desserts? And so it is with our anti hero Claes, the central male character in this book set in the 1600s.Throw into the pot a charming love affair, the strongest of bonds between two extraordinary women as well as a tug-at-the-heartstrings story of a group of orphans and you have a highly readable novel. Our author moves her characters seamlessly from the confines of an Amsterdam orphanage through a gruelling 5 month sea journey to Table Bay, the southernmost tip of Africa. Woven throughout is the compelling history of the Dutch East India company, as fascinating as the backdrop for Dhand's first novel surrounding the pearl fishing industry of north-western Australia in the early 1900s. Eagerly anticipating book number 3!

[K.L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. The characters were decent enough if not particularly well drawn. my main complaint is that I really didn't get a hint of Colonial Africa in this book (or 17th century Amsterdam for that matter) Two such vibrant and different places at such a fascinating time should have been better represented.
There was no real sense as to the time and place the story was set, a casual mention of lions and veldt, and some Dutch words hardly convey the culture and scenery of the time.
The story wasn't bad, but I was disappointed. I guess I was hoping for a Morgan's Run or Gone With the Wind type of epic, but set in South Africa.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining book that took me to interesting places and times. I enjoyed the Orphanage story, and then the subsequent events in South Africa. Although everything ends well for all the nice characters, which is nice, I wonder about the authenticity of that. However, the historical background is fascinating and many of the characters memorable, and it was interesting to follow the working of the East India Company. Having read this author’s first book, and enjoying it, I now look forward to her next one with anticipation.

[Kelly Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1683 Johanna is in an orphanage in Amsterdam. She only leaves to go to church, where she sees and falls in love with a boy, who she later learns is called Frans. However he is sent to the new Dutch colony of Good Hope in South Africa. Johanna finds a way to travel there as well.

On the journey she meets Floriane, wife of a senior official. Floriane is travelling to Good Hope so that her husband can take up,a new post. However all is it as it seems as Johanna and Floriane become close friends.

A slow start but I enjoyed this book.

[ferryboat3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very unusual book. It is an unashamed love story, but set in a thrilling mystery. It is a beautifully embellished account of true events and the author’s attention to detail brings this time and place to life which is quite realistic – even though I was completely unaware of this period of history in Holland or South Africa.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. I have really enjoyed the story.
Great research was done by the author. The characters are great.
Highly recommended.

[Danna Kleisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for Christmas which I really enjoyed. The storyline was different from other books I have read. It kept you wanting to read more to see where the story was going. Great read.

[Betty Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, feeling that Roxane is improving with her story-telling, as this was so different to "The Pearler's Wife". I can't wait for the next book of hers.

[Keely Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit slow to start but then draws you in.. great characters and interesting plot.

[Clyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was Ok, but a few too many convenient coincidences, and was a bit of a soapy

[Fiona Audain · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Set in an orphanage in Holland, before journeying to the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Making friends with the Fiscal Officers wife, Joanna, learns about love, friendship & murder.

[Carol Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this