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The Company Daughters
Wanted: Company Daughters. Virtuous young ladies to become the brides of industrious settlers in a foreign land. The Company will pay the cost of the ladies' dowry and travel. Returns not permitted, orphans preferred.
Amsterdam, 1616. Jana Beil has learned that life rarely provides moments of joy. Having run away from a violent father, her days are spent searching for work in an effort to stay out of the city brothels, where desperate women trade their bodies for a mouthful of bread. But when Jana is hired as a servant for the wealthy and kind Master Reynst and his beautiful daughter Sontje, Jana’s future begins to look brighter.
Then Master Reynst loses his fortune on a bad investment, and everything changes. The house is sold to creditors, leaving Jana back on the streets and Sontje without a future.
With no other choice, Jana and Sontje are forced to sign with the East India Company as Company Daughters: sailing to a colonial outpost to become the brides of male settlers they know nothing about. With fear in their hearts, the girls begin their journey – but what awaits them on the other side of the world is nothing like what they’ve been promised…
Based on true history, this is a beautiful and sensual historical novel, perfect for fans of Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Miniaturist and The Indigo Girl.
Amsterdam, 1616. Jana Beil has learned that life rarely provides moments of joy. Having run away from a violent father, her days are spent searching for work in an effort to stay out of the city brothels, where desperate women trade their bodies for a mouthful of bread. But when Jana is hired as a servant for the wealthy and kind Master Reynst and his beautiful daughter Sontje, Jana’s future begins to look brighter.
Then Master Reynst loses his fortune on a bad investment, and everything changes. The house is sold to creditors, leaving Jana back on the streets and Sontje without a future.
With no other choice, Jana and Sontje are forced to sign with the East India Company as Company Daughters: sailing to a colonial outpost to become the brides of male settlers they know nothing about. With fear in their hearts, the girls begin their journey – but what awaits them on the other side of the world is nothing like what they’ve been promised…
Based on true history, this is a beautiful and sensual historical novel, perfect for fans of Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Miniaturist and The Indigo Girl.
392 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2020
244 people are currently reading
1744 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
November 10, 2020
Based on facts, the book describes the fate of young women who in the 17th century decide or are forced to decide, to spend ten months on Dutch East India Company ships that take them to Batavia, modern Jakarta.
The act of human, or rather sex, trafficing, is a shameless crime, however, in those days, agreeing to become wives of the Dutch settlers was the alternative for those females who were orphans, had no support in family, and the only option was starvation or prostitution. Some of the female characters find happiness and prosperity in the colony and are definitely better off there.
The book is quite interesting and the details regarding life in Batavia and Amsterdam well-researched. Definitely an solid insight into history of which I knew nothing.
*Many thanks to Samantha Rajaram, Bookouture, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
The act of human, or rather sex, trafficing, is a shameless crime, however, in those days, agreeing to become wives of the Dutch settlers was the alternative for those females who were orphans, had no support in family, and the only option was starvation or prostitution. Some of the female characters find happiness and prosperity in the colony and are definitely better off there.
The book is quite interesting and the details regarding life in Batavia and Amsterdam well-researched. Definitely an solid insight into history of which I knew nothing.
*Many thanks to Samantha Rajaram, Bookouture, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
October 29, 2020
The Company Daughters is Samantha Rajaram’s heartfelt debut and a work of historical literary fiction that is richly-imagined, based on a true story and impeccably researched. It is the story of Jana Beil, a servant in seventeenth-century Amsterdam who, alongside her companion Sontje Reynst, signs up to be a ‘company daughter’ – a mail-order bride dispatched to settlers in the far Dutch colonial East Indies. Based on true history, these two women undertake a dangerous and deadly sea journey to the colony of Batavia – present-day Indonesia – to start a new life there as wives to men they know nothing about. Most of these women are orphans and with nothing left in terms of prospects in their Dutch homeland and so they are given dowries in return for marrying the Dutch settlers in Batavia and starting families. Even if they survive the treacherous ten-month voyage across the globe there's no guarantee they will find all their answers when they step off the boat and meet those who will become their family. Will their gamble on love and the possibility of prosperity pay off or is this one gamble too far?
This is a gripping, intense and truly captivating read, and I was so moved by Jana and Sontje’s story – the company daughters of the Dutch East India Company must have been tremendously brave (and heartbreakingly desperate) to travel halfway across the world in perilous conditions to marry a stranger. Samantha really brings their unique and fascinating tale to life with her beautifully atmospheric writing and warm characters. It's heart-wrenching and unimaginable to be a young woman, most likely all alone in the world, who decides to take this huge leap of faith and it highlights many of the issues that were happening at the time as a result of colonialism; Rajaram makes a point to highlight this, and I expect this is informed by the British colonisation of India in 1858. It's superbly written and the seventeenth-century setting was depicted authentically and exotically but the characters are what really made the story wonderful; Jana, in particular, became like a friend who you wished nothing but the best for. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
This is a gripping, intense and truly captivating read, and I was so moved by Jana and Sontje’s story – the company daughters of the Dutch East India Company must have been tremendously brave (and heartbreakingly desperate) to travel halfway across the world in perilous conditions to marry a stranger. Samantha really brings their unique and fascinating tale to life with her beautifully atmospheric writing and warm characters. It's heart-wrenching and unimaginable to be a young woman, most likely all alone in the world, who decides to take this huge leap of faith and it highlights many of the issues that were happening at the time as a result of colonialism; Rajaram makes a point to highlight this, and I expect this is informed by the British colonisation of India in 1858. It's superbly written and the seventeenth-century setting was depicted authentically and exotically but the characters are what really made the story wonderful; Jana, in particular, became like a friend who you wished nothing but the best for. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
November 2, 2020
4.5 stars
Jana Biel has led a hard life. On her own at an early age she has been judged and defined by her circumstances. She has learned how to survive against the odds and make the most of her situation. Work hard, keep your head down, keep your past to yourself. At all costs protect your heart.
Over the course of the novel we see her growth and to some extent Sontje’s as well. The two women experience many hardships, but through it all there is light in Rajaram’s words. I was moved by the subversive text and the colorful descriptions of nature. Rajaram, although dealing with themes of oppression, kept reminding the reader of the beauty found in the everyday things in life.
To describe how ravenous Jana was – “She turns to fetch him while I wait on the doorstep next to the blue, open-mouthed crocuses. Hungry, just like me.”
On hope – “Helena once said the stars were like eyes watching us, winking like old friends, I always thought the stars protected us, reminded us that darkness is never complete.”
Comfort comes in the cadent song of the waves lapping onto the shore. Guidance is given by the unfurling branches of a tree.
Her descriptions of place make both Amsterdam and Batavia come alive. Careful attention is paid to the many layers in which people are oppressed. Through Jana’s narration we not only learn about this historical period but are provided a prism of compassion. We learn what it is like to be an orphan, a women of no means, queer in the 17th century. We are asked to consider the plight of the slave. Jana is flawed, human. But she is also empathetic and able to see outside herself. So when she falters she eventually recognizes, admits and tries to correct her mistakes. Her character and this book will stay with me for quite a while. Great debut!
Jana Biel has led a hard life. On her own at an early age she has been judged and defined by her circumstances. She has learned how to survive against the odds and make the most of her situation. Work hard, keep your head down, keep your past to yourself. At all costs protect your heart.
Over the course of the novel we see her growth and to some extent Sontje’s as well. The two women experience many hardships, but through it all there is light in Rajaram’s words. I was moved by the subversive text and the colorful descriptions of nature. Rajaram, although dealing with themes of oppression, kept reminding the reader of the beauty found in the everyday things in life.
To describe how ravenous Jana was – “She turns to fetch him while I wait on the doorstep next to the blue, open-mouthed crocuses. Hungry, just like me.”
On hope – “Helena once said the stars were like eyes watching us, winking like old friends, I always thought the stars protected us, reminded us that darkness is never complete.”
Comfort comes in the cadent song of the waves lapping onto the shore. Guidance is given by the unfurling branches of a tree.
Her descriptions of place make both Amsterdam and Batavia come alive. Careful attention is paid to the many layers in which people are oppressed. Through Jana’s narration we not only learn about this historical period but are provided a prism of compassion. We learn what it is like to be an orphan, a women of no means, queer in the 17th century. We are asked to consider the plight of the slave. Jana is flawed, human. But she is also empathetic and able to see outside herself. So when she falters she eventually recognizes, admits and tries to correct her mistakes. Her character and this book will stay with me for quite a while. Great debut!
October 1, 2024
The unique cover and concept drew me in, as well as the promise of a critically acclaimed wlw historical novel. And I will say, the writing was of high quality. The characters were especially well-drawn, and I absolutely cared about them.
That said, I was deeply sorry that the author chose to go the "tragic love" route for these two women. I felt they deserved better, and I'm just so tired of mainstream literary fiction that feels it necessary to kill off one of the lovers in any same sex couple.
In addition to that gripe, I grew weary of all the harrowing misfortune these characters went through. Yes, I know times were hard back then, especially for women, but I felt like I'd been emotionally pummeled by the end of this book.
That said, I was deeply sorry that the author chose to go the "tragic love" route for these two women. I felt they deserved better, and I'm just so tired of mainstream literary fiction that feels it necessary to kill off one of the lovers in any same sex couple.
In addition to that gripe, I grew weary of all the harrowing misfortune these characters went through. Yes, I know times were hard back then, especially for women, but I felt like I'd been emotionally pummeled by the end of this book.
October 19, 2020
I found this to be a very absorbing and page turning read that I just couldn't put down. I can never resist historical books about ordinary women in difficult situations and have read many books about mail order brides and settlers in new territories overseas.
However this one manages to be quite a bit different, it begins in 17th century Amsterdam, features a wonderful heroine Jana, who drags herself up by the bootstraps ending up in service to the enigmatic Sontje and her kindly father.
When tragedy strikes they end up as mail order brides being sent to the colonies in an outpost known as Batavia (later to become Jakarta) Indonesia is a beautiful and exotic destination and the book is well researched, compelling and very atmospheric, introducing me to a time and place in history I hadn't come across previously.
Jana finds tragedy can also lead to love and a tender love story is played out whilst harsh and desperate measures are playing out around Jana.
Its hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing is just superbly accomplished and the story is absorbing and mesmerizing. If, like me you like your women strong when facing tragedy yet believably emotional too, you'll fall in love with Jana and be rooting for her as she builds a new life in the oppressive heat and colonial ex-pat lifestyle in Batavia.
Published by the wonderful Bookouture in October 2020 this is one historical debut not be missed by fellow enthusiasts for this genre.
However this one manages to be quite a bit different, it begins in 17th century Amsterdam, features a wonderful heroine Jana, who drags herself up by the bootstraps ending up in service to the enigmatic Sontje and her kindly father.
When tragedy strikes they end up as mail order brides being sent to the colonies in an outpost known as Batavia (later to become Jakarta) Indonesia is a beautiful and exotic destination and the book is well researched, compelling and very atmospheric, introducing me to a time and place in history I hadn't come across previously.
Jana finds tragedy can also lead to love and a tender love story is played out whilst harsh and desperate measures are playing out around Jana.
Its hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing is just superbly accomplished and the story is absorbing and mesmerizing. If, like me you like your women strong when facing tragedy yet believably emotional too, you'll fall in love with Jana and be rooting for her as she builds a new life in the oppressive heat and colonial ex-pat lifestyle in Batavia.
Published by the wonderful Bookouture in October 2020 this is one historical debut not be missed by fellow enthusiasts for this genre.
November 2, 2020
Ik heb dit boek al eerder dit jaar gelezen, maar het was niet de bedoeling dat ik er meteen enthousiast over zou gaan vertellen hier.
Dit is zo'n prachtig mooi verhaal, zo spannend en origineel, zo romantisch en hartverscheurend, het gaat over sterke en toch kwetsbare vrouwen...dit is een AANRADER.
Dit is zo'n prachtig mooi verhaal, zo spannend en origineel, zo romantisch en hartverscheurend, het gaat over sterke en toch kwetsbare vrouwen...dit is een AANRADER.
December 7, 2020
Gorgeously told, a mesmerizing story
I’ve never read a book which takes place in Indonesia, and I absolutely loved encountering that world, as well as the world of the Dutch East Indies and its ships. The bonus here is a story which flows forth in a mesmerizing voice, shedding light on unfortunate Dutch females in that world. The Dutch practice of looking away, in order to basically deny hard facts, rings true even today in my society. As does the fact the women and children suffer because of it. But there can be hope and help, by love, friendship, honest work and its compensation, and community.
This debut is well worth the read, and deserves a place in the growing canon of books shedding light on the female experience of suffering and triumph through the ages, all within the pages of a beautiful story of survival.
Well done! Loved the narration, too.
I’ve never read a book which takes place in Indonesia, and I absolutely loved encountering that world, as well as the world of the Dutch East Indies and its ships. The bonus here is a story which flows forth in a mesmerizing voice, shedding light on unfortunate Dutch females in that world. The Dutch practice of looking away, in order to basically deny hard facts, rings true even today in my society. As does the fact the women and children suffer because of it. But there can be hope and help, by love, friendship, honest work and its compensation, and community.
This debut is well worth the read, and deserves a place in the growing canon of books shedding light on the female experience of suffering and triumph through the ages, all within the pages of a beautiful story of survival.
Well done! Loved the narration, too.
November 15, 2020
Title: The Company Daughters
Author: Samantha Rajaram
Publication Day: Oct 30th 2020
Description:
Wanted: Company Daughters. Virtuous young ladies to become the brides of industrious settlers in a foreign land. The Company will pay the cost of the lady’s dowry and travel. Returns not permitted, orphans preferred.
Amsterdam, 1620. Jana Beil has learned that life rarely provides moments of joy. Having run away from a violent father, her days are spent searching for work in an effort to stay out of the city brothels, where desperate women trade their bodies for a mouthful of bread. But when Jana is hired as a servant for the wealthy and kind Master Reynst and his beautiful daughter Sontje, Jana’s future begins to look brighter.
But then Master Reynst loses his fortune on a bad investment, and everything changes. The house is sold to creditors, leaving Jana back on the street and Sontje without a future.
With no other choice, Jana and Sontje are forced to sign with the East India Company as Company Daughters: sailing to a colonial Dutch outpost to become the brides of male settlers they know nothing about. With fear in their hearts, the girls begin their journey – but what awaits them on the other side of the world is nothing like what they’ve been promised…
Based on true history, this is a beautiful and sensual historical novel, perfect for fans of The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Miniaturist and The Indigo Girl.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Company Daughters' by Samantha Rajaram.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I enjoy true stories and when I read that this is based on one I couldn't help but choose it. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 81 chapters and an epilogue and is spread over 4 parts. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Amsterdam and Batavia, Dutch East Indies, with some time spent on Table Bay.
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonist being Jana Beil. I enjoy books written in first person perspective as as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
Part One concentrates on Jana's hunt for work and how she finds it with Sontje's father and the misfortunes of what leads her to become a Company's daughter. It also speaks of how Jana and Sontje's relationship grows from employee/employer to what may pass as friendship. Part One is set in Amsterdam.
Part Two concentrates on Jana and Sontje's voyage on the "Leyden" and the hardships they and the other "daughters" face at sea. The cruelty shown made me feel physically sick. Part Two is set onboard the "Leyden" and at Table Bay, a natural bay on the Atlantic Ocean overlooked by Cape Town.
Part Three sees the end of Jana and Sontje's time on the "Leyden" and the beginning of their time in Batavia.
Filled with loss, love and heartbreak.
I won't go into Part Four as it may spoil the storyline for future readers.
This is a very well written novel with descriptions that really help you imagine what is going on and how the characters are feeling. The synopsis and cover of the book worked perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is based on true events, is unique and very well researched which is a huge bonus. It drives me mad when I'm reading a historical novel and events are recorded inaccurately. I do believe that when you are writing a historical novel, even a fictional one that research should be done to make it more realistic and accurate. Anyway, to continue my review on this novel which HAS been well researched!! The plot is filled with love, loss, secrets and is a roller-coaster of emotions throughout. I won't talk about specific events as I do not wish to spoil anything for future readers. I did have to Google a few words as I didn't understand them but they were in relation to the language used in the countries the story was based so this didn't bother me at all. I found that by the author putting in the language the characters used the 'conversation' Jana is having with the reader is more genuine and realistic (hopefully you understand what I mean by this).
I enjoyed watching the bonds and relationships between certain characters strengthen and grow or deteriorate and dissappear as well as seizing their own individual personalities grow in strength. Jana is a real inspiration in that, although she went through so much emotionally and physically, she is a true fighter and grew stronger from what she went through. All of the characters had their own individual and realistic personalities which I enjoyed meeting and getting to know about. I love it when books include strong female models and Jana is definitely one of the strongest I have met.
This book would make a fascinating movie and I think the storyline will stay with me for a long time. I would also like to congratulate Samantha on bringing some unheard of (to me) history to light and I will definitely be looking into it more. I find it awful how events like this not only happened but were condoned and believe it is nothing better than trafficking as it is today.
Overall a fascinating and eye opening novel which is based on a true story and is an emotional roller-coaster ride.
Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age Story, Lesbian Literature, Biographical Fiction, LGBT Literature amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone who is interested in history or wants to learn more about past events in the form of a story .
392 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheCompanyDaughters #Bookouture #SamanthaRajaram #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SamanthaRajaram @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Samantha Rajaram spent most of her childhood in Gillette, Wyoming, where she and her family were the first Indian-Americans to live in the community. As a law student, she focused on social justice and international human rights law with a focus on female sex trafficking.
She is now an educator, and currently teaches composition at Chabot College in Hayward, California. She lives in the California Bay Area with her three
children.
Social Media links:
Website: samantharajaram.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Samantha_Reader
Instagram: instagram.com/samantha.r.reader
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F1WH5CGSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/sxWp50AR7E6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/a4pB50AR7FO
Google: http://ow.ly/B4jL50AR7Ji
Author: Samantha Rajaram
Publication Day: Oct 30th 2020
Description:
Wanted: Company Daughters. Virtuous young ladies to become the brides of industrious settlers in a foreign land. The Company will pay the cost of the lady’s dowry and travel. Returns not permitted, orphans preferred.
Amsterdam, 1620. Jana Beil has learned that life rarely provides moments of joy. Having run away from a violent father, her days are spent searching for work in an effort to stay out of the city brothels, where desperate women trade their bodies for a mouthful of bread. But when Jana is hired as a servant for the wealthy and kind Master Reynst and his beautiful daughter Sontje, Jana’s future begins to look brighter.
But then Master Reynst loses his fortune on a bad investment, and everything changes. The house is sold to creditors, leaving Jana back on the street and Sontje without a future.
With no other choice, Jana and Sontje are forced to sign with the East India Company as Company Daughters: sailing to a colonial Dutch outpost to become the brides of male settlers they know nothing about. With fear in their hearts, the girls begin their journey – but what awaits them on the other side of the world is nothing like what they’ve been promised…
Based on true history, this is a beautiful and sensual historical novel, perfect for fans of The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Miniaturist and The Indigo Girl.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Company Daughters' by Samantha Rajaram.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I enjoy true stories and when I read that this is based on one I couldn't help but choose it. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 81 chapters and an epilogue and is spread over 4 parts. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Amsterdam and Batavia, Dutch East Indies, with some time spent on Table Bay.
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonist being Jana Beil. I enjoy books written in first person perspective as as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
Part One concentrates on Jana's hunt for work and how she finds it with Sontje's father and the misfortunes of what leads her to become a Company's daughter. It also speaks of how Jana and Sontje's relationship grows from employee/employer to what may pass as friendship. Part One is set in Amsterdam.
Part Two concentrates on Jana and Sontje's voyage on the "Leyden" and the hardships they and the other "daughters" face at sea. The cruelty shown made me feel physically sick. Part Two is set onboard the "Leyden" and at Table Bay, a natural bay on the Atlantic Ocean overlooked by Cape Town.
Part Three sees the end of Jana and Sontje's time on the "Leyden" and the beginning of their time in Batavia.
Filled with loss, love and heartbreak.
I won't go into Part Four as it may spoil the storyline for future readers.
This is a very well written novel with descriptions that really help you imagine what is going on and how the characters are feeling. The synopsis and cover of the book worked perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is based on true events, is unique and very well researched which is a huge bonus. It drives me mad when I'm reading a historical novel and events are recorded inaccurately. I do believe that when you are writing a historical novel, even a fictional one that research should be done to make it more realistic and accurate. Anyway, to continue my review on this novel which HAS been well researched!! The plot is filled with love, loss, secrets and is a roller-coaster of emotions throughout. I won't talk about specific events as I do not wish to spoil anything for future readers. I did have to Google a few words as I didn't understand them but they were in relation to the language used in the countries the story was based so this didn't bother me at all. I found that by the author putting in the language the characters used the 'conversation' Jana is having with the reader is more genuine and realistic (hopefully you understand what I mean by this).
I enjoyed watching the bonds and relationships between certain characters strengthen and grow or deteriorate and dissappear as well as seizing their own individual personalities grow in strength. Jana is a real inspiration in that, although she went through so much emotionally and physically, she is a true fighter and grew stronger from what she went through. All of the characters had their own individual and realistic personalities which I enjoyed meeting and getting to know about. I love it when books include strong female models and Jana is definitely one of the strongest I have met.
This book would make a fascinating movie and I think the storyline will stay with me for a long time. I would also like to congratulate Samantha on bringing some unheard of (to me) history to light and I will definitely be looking into it more. I find it awful how events like this not only happened but were condoned and believe it is nothing better than trafficking as it is today.
Overall a fascinating and eye opening novel which is based on a true story and is an emotional roller-coaster ride.
Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age Story, Lesbian Literature, Biographical Fiction, LGBT Literature amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as anyone who is interested in history or wants to learn more about past events in the form of a story .
392 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheCompanyDaughters #Bookouture #SamanthaRajaram #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SamanthaRajaram @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Samantha Rajaram spent most of her childhood in Gillette, Wyoming, where she and her family were the first Indian-Americans to live in the community. As a law student, she focused on social justice and international human rights law with a focus on female sex trafficking.
She is now an educator, and currently teaches composition at Chabot College in Hayward, California. She lives in the California Bay Area with her three
children.
Social Media links:
Website: samantharajaram.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Samantha_Reader
Instagram: instagram.com/samantha.r.reader
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F1WH5CGSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/sxWp50AR7E6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/a4pB50AR7FO
Google: http://ow.ly/B4jL50AR7Ji
October 6, 2020
Being a keen reader of historical novels, I jumped at the opportunity to read this new book by a debut author, and a few pages in I was already hooked. This is a book unlike anything else I read before.
This is the story of two young women living in 17th century Amsterdam. At the time, the Dutch Empire occupied vast Asian territories among others, including present-day Jakarta, at the time known as Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies.
The book starts with these two girls meeting for the very first time. Desperate for work and even more desperate to fill her belly with some food, Jana Beil, a poor girl escaping from her abusive father's clutches and a life of prostitution, knocks on Master Reynst's door. Mr Reynst is a kind, wealthy widower working as a shipwright for the Dutch East Indies Company. The door is opened by his daughter, Sontje, a beautiful rich girl, living the life of a princess and dreaming with her eyes open. The Reynsts accept Jana to start working with them as a servant. Jana works hard but she soon gets used to her new life with the Reynsts. As the weeks pass, she and Sontje grow close and become more like friends rather than the mistress of the house and her servant. Now, Jana has a small income, but more importantly, clean clothes, food and a warm attic room all to herself.
However, disaster soon strikes Reynst's venture at 'The Company', and he loses everything. Jana's world darkens once again. What will she do now? In a few weeks, she and Sontje find themselves 'Company Daughters', loaded onto a ship bound for Batavia, on the other side of the world, where they are expected to marry a settler and populate the settlement with Dutch children.
But before they even make it to Batavia, the defenceless girls' lives are put in mortal danger more than once. I won't say anything else not to spoil the plot. I'll just say that like the girls' future, the rest of the book was a complete mystery to me. I had no idea where the author would take me, what she had in store for the girls at the other end of the world and I felt excited to be going on this journey with them.
The book is divided into three main parts: part one - in Amsterdam. Part two - the treacherous journey to Batavia. Part three - Life in Batavia.
On the whole for a debut novel, this book is very good. It is well written and clearly shows extensive research into colonial history. With a love story at its centre, 'The Company Daughters' is based on historical facts, and I have to say I learned a lot of new things thanks to this book. I had never read anything about The Netherlands' history and its colonies in the East and I have never heard of the young, poor women that were sent to Batavia in the 1600s to marry unknown Dutch settlers. Today, this would probably be deemed illegal and regarded as sex trafficking. These girls had no other option but to 'emigrate' in order to survive. I can't even imagine the apprehension and terror engulfing them, barely in their teens, finding themselves at the mercy of strangers, on a 10-month long dangerous voyage with scarce supplies at sea, and then finding their innocence snatched away from them and married to and at the mercy of a stranger for the sole purpose of procreation, in an alien land filled with strange people, exotic animals, trees and cultures and having to endure the unrelenting heat of the country. That must have been terribly hard for them, a nightmare (for those who survived, anyway). I think the author managed to illustrate the intolerable hardships suffered by these young women remarkably well.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the main characters, especially Jana and her exceptional resilience, love and courage. The author's vivid descriptions enabled me to immerse myself in the story, imagining myself there, in 1600s Amsterdam, on that terrible sea voyage, and then in the colony with the characters. My only minor gripe with this book is the use of certain Dutch words in the first part that the author occasionally throws to remind us that we're in Amsterdam. I found this irritating as there was no translation anywhere in the book and I would have liked that. Sometimes not even the context of the sentence helped me. Such words include: zaal, roemer, Lakenvelders, jambless and meerkoets to name a few. I'd suggest the author to avoid doing that in future books or else to provide a translation. But apart from that, I think she did a great job for a debut author. And I find no problems in recommending this book to fellow historical novel lovers. Well done!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read an ARC of this book on Netgalley.
This is the story of two young women living in 17th century Amsterdam. At the time, the Dutch Empire occupied vast Asian territories among others, including present-day Jakarta, at the time known as Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies.
The book starts with these two girls meeting for the very first time. Desperate for work and even more desperate to fill her belly with some food, Jana Beil, a poor girl escaping from her abusive father's clutches and a life of prostitution, knocks on Master Reynst's door. Mr Reynst is a kind, wealthy widower working as a shipwright for the Dutch East Indies Company. The door is opened by his daughter, Sontje, a beautiful rich girl, living the life of a princess and dreaming with her eyes open. The Reynsts accept Jana to start working with them as a servant. Jana works hard but she soon gets used to her new life with the Reynsts. As the weeks pass, she and Sontje grow close and become more like friends rather than the mistress of the house and her servant. Now, Jana has a small income, but more importantly, clean clothes, food and a warm attic room all to herself.
However, disaster soon strikes Reynst's venture at 'The Company', and he loses everything. Jana's world darkens once again. What will she do now? In a few weeks, she and Sontje find themselves 'Company Daughters', loaded onto a ship bound for Batavia, on the other side of the world, where they are expected to marry a settler and populate the settlement with Dutch children.
But before they even make it to Batavia, the defenceless girls' lives are put in mortal danger more than once. I won't say anything else not to spoil the plot. I'll just say that like the girls' future, the rest of the book was a complete mystery to me. I had no idea where the author would take me, what she had in store for the girls at the other end of the world and I felt excited to be going on this journey with them.
The book is divided into three main parts: part one - in Amsterdam. Part two - the treacherous journey to Batavia. Part three - Life in Batavia.
On the whole for a debut novel, this book is very good. It is well written and clearly shows extensive research into colonial history. With a love story at its centre, 'The Company Daughters' is based on historical facts, and I have to say I learned a lot of new things thanks to this book. I had never read anything about The Netherlands' history and its colonies in the East and I have never heard of the young, poor women that were sent to Batavia in the 1600s to marry unknown Dutch settlers. Today, this would probably be deemed illegal and regarded as sex trafficking. These girls had no other option but to 'emigrate' in order to survive. I can't even imagine the apprehension and terror engulfing them, barely in their teens, finding themselves at the mercy of strangers, on a 10-month long dangerous voyage with scarce supplies at sea, and then finding their innocence snatched away from them and married to and at the mercy of a stranger for the sole purpose of procreation, in an alien land filled with strange people, exotic animals, trees and cultures and having to endure the unrelenting heat of the country. That must have been terribly hard for them, a nightmare (for those who survived, anyway). I think the author managed to illustrate the intolerable hardships suffered by these young women remarkably well.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the main characters, especially Jana and her exceptional resilience, love and courage. The author's vivid descriptions enabled me to immerse myself in the story, imagining myself there, in 1600s Amsterdam, on that terrible sea voyage, and then in the colony with the characters. My only minor gripe with this book is the use of certain Dutch words in the first part that the author occasionally throws to remind us that we're in Amsterdam. I found this irritating as there was no translation anywhere in the book and I would have liked that. Sometimes not even the context of the sentence helped me. Such words include: zaal, roemer, Lakenvelders, jambless and meerkoets to name a few. I'd suggest the author to avoid doing that in future books or else to provide a translation. But apart from that, I think she did a great job for a debut author. And I find no problems in recommending this book to fellow historical novel lovers. Well done!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read an ARC of this book on Netgalley.
September 18, 2020
I do not usually read sad books, in fact, I actively avoid them. However, I love historical fiction so I decided to pick this one up. It was kindly given to me as an ARC through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own. I am so glad I decided to read this. This book is so stunningly tender and beautiful, all mixed in with some seriously tragic and heart-wrenching events.
This story follows two women in colonial-era Amsterdam, and later Batavia. It deals with some heavy themes such as sexism, colourism, homophobia, sexual assault and slavery. A warning, this book may be extremely triggering to some. I found the use of tragedy a little overwrought in this book, as some of the later events lost their impact as I had already been exposed to so much of the terribleness occurring at that time. However, I do think it added to the realism of the book - a lot of historical fiction writers tend to gloss over some of the more unsavoury aspects of this particular era, and I appreciate Rajaram's ability to include the horrors of slavery, malnutrition/disease and the position of women in society without flinching.
Rajaram is an extremely skilled writer, and I love her writing style. I was extremely surprised to find out that this was her debut novel. Initally, I found the interspersion of Dutch and English words a little distracting, but I soon got used to it. Her character development is stunning, and the book as a whole is extremely character-driven and not much focus is given to the intricacies of the plot. I do think that there could've been more focus to the plot as a whole, but I hardly noticed while I was reading.
Jana's relationship with the different masculine and feminine influences in her life was especially intriguing to me, and I found myself resonating with a lot of her thoughts and feelings throughout the book, as I'm sure will be the case for most women who are marginalised by society. The themes of sisterhood and female love were so present in this book and I found it very moving. I found myself especially attached to the characters of Madaleen and Griet, and I thought the character-development was the main strength of this book.
I would give this book a 4.25/5 overall. Rajaram is an exceptional author and I am excited to see what she releases next!
This story follows two women in colonial-era Amsterdam, and later Batavia. It deals with some heavy themes such as sexism, colourism, homophobia, sexual assault and slavery. A warning, this book may be extremely triggering to some. I found the use of tragedy a little overwrought in this book, as some of the later events lost their impact as I had already been exposed to so much of the terribleness occurring at that time. However, I do think it added to the realism of the book - a lot of historical fiction writers tend to gloss over some of the more unsavoury aspects of this particular era, and I appreciate Rajaram's ability to include the horrors of slavery, malnutrition/disease and the position of women in society without flinching.
Rajaram is an extremely skilled writer, and I love her writing style. I was extremely surprised to find out that this was her debut novel. Initally, I found the interspersion of Dutch and English words a little distracting, but I soon got used to it. Her character development is stunning, and the book as a whole is extremely character-driven and not much focus is given to the intricacies of the plot. I do think that there could've been more focus to the plot as a whole, but I hardly noticed while I was reading.
Jana's relationship with the different masculine and feminine influences in her life was especially intriguing to me, and I found myself resonating with a lot of her thoughts and feelings throughout the book, as I'm sure will be the case for most women who are marginalised by society. The themes of sisterhood and female love were so present in this book and I found it very moving. I found myself especially attached to the characters of Madaleen and Griet, and I thought the character-development was the main strength of this book.
I would give this book a 4.25/5 overall. Rajaram is an exceptional author and I am excited to see what she releases next!
November 4, 2020
"Half-light and half-darkness. Like the best of lives."
Amsterdam, 1616, Jana Beil has worked hard to survive. Now, after tragedy leaves her without a position as a servant, she decides to accept the offer presented by the Dutch East Indies Company, or V.O.C. The Company will send her to Batavia on a long, dangerous journey by ship to become the bride of a settler in this Asian colony. Longing for security and a future, these Company Daughters will be married off to strange men and begin a new life on the other side of the world. Of course, nothing goes as expected and The Company promise isn't the answer to any hopes and dreams. Jana contents herself with a forbidden love but life does not come with any guarantees. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoyed this historical fiction novel and Jana's story. Jana is determined and diligently tries to improve her situation through many sorrows and travails. Although she and Sontje find mutual pleasure in their relationship, their moments are stolen and they are always at the mercy of men. Although I liked the story well enough, it seemed that much of it was centered on Jana's thoughts and reflections more than relating details that I was looking for in regard to life in the colony so it left me a bit disappointed in a vague way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Amsterdam, 1616, Jana Beil has worked hard to survive. Now, after tragedy leaves her without a position as a servant, she decides to accept the offer presented by the Dutch East Indies Company, or V.O.C. The Company will send her to Batavia on a long, dangerous journey by ship to become the bride of a settler in this Asian colony. Longing for security and a future, these Company Daughters will be married off to strange men and begin a new life on the other side of the world. Of course, nothing goes as expected and The Company promise isn't the answer to any hopes and dreams. Jana contents herself with a forbidden love but life does not come with any guarantees. NO SPOILERS.
I enjoyed this historical fiction novel and Jana's story. Jana is determined and diligently tries to improve her situation through many sorrows and travails. Although she and Sontje find mutual pleasure in their relationship, their moments are stolen and they are always at the mercy of men. Although I liked the story well enough, it seemed that much of it was centered on Jana's thoughts and reflections more than relating details that I was looking for in regard to life in the colony so it left me a bit disappointed in a vague way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
March 24, 2021
Fictional story of a group of young women, brought to the Dutch East Indies in the 1600s from Amsterdam as Company Daughters, a historically real program that provided wives for Dutch colonists. I was impressed with the novel's development of strong characters and believable setting, in a time and place so distant from ours. I am also fascinated by the process of research, which the author says something about in "A Letter from Samantha" at the end of the book. When I read historical fiction from the distant past, I often think, "How would they know what it was like, or how people thought, back then?" But Rajaram's writing has the ring of truth; the plant life in Batavia, the foods people ate, the diseases they died of, all added to the reality of her story.
March 17, 2024
Heartbreaking look into the hardships of women during the time of the Dutch East India company
May 24, 2021
When homeless, starving Jana Beil turns up at the home of wealthy Sontje Reynst and her father in 17th century Amsterdam begging for food and work, she is employed as a maid, and an uneasy friendship develops between the two young women despite—or perhaps because of—there unequal status. Time passes and Jana becomes captivated by her elegant mistress in a way she can't entirely articulate to herself. When the fortunes of the Reynst family take a dramatic turn, Jana's feelings are powerful enough that she chooses to follow Sontje into the unknown, both of them becoming Company Daughters with the East India Company, essentially mail-order brides for settlers in the Dutch colony of Batavia in modern day Jakarta.
The Company Daughters is pitched as a colonial love story and that's precisely what it is, although not in the way one might expect. The book does not romanticize any aspect of the experience. Not the harrowing, 10-month journey by ship to reach Batavia. And certainly not what life is like when they arrive, neither for themselves and the other Company Daughters, the Dutch colonizers in their efforts to transplant Dutch culture and practices onto a landscape utterly unsuited to them, nor the fate of the colonized, many of whom are enslaved or, if women, forced into prostitution, disdained by both the colonizers and their own people.
Some of the women, both Dutch and native, find a measure of happiness in Batavia. But many others suffer bitterly under the combined domination of patriarchy, colonization, and slavery in varying incarnations. Jana and Sontje remain committed to each other, their friendship growing, changing, and solidifying as they themselves change and solidify, and learn to adapt to their shared experience. Life will never be the same for either of them and the only familiar memory they have to hold onto is each other.
My favourite part of the book, surprisingly, was the part on the ship. Normally in a book featuring a journey of that length an author would end one chapter with the departure and start the next with the arrival. Not so in this book. Samantha Rajaram gives us the entire journey of progressive boredom, gossip, food scarcity, mental anguish, sickness, shipboard violence, self-discovery, and support and solidarity among all the Company Daughters who manage to survive it all. We are very long in waiting to reach Batavia, but the waiting really works. The entire book has many long periods between big events in the story and yet the author manages to fill these in-between times with heart, meaning, and interest. It is masterful and I am in awe of her skill. I also adored her descriptions of Batavia, the climate, landscape, and lifestyles of the native people in stark contrast to the Dutch colonizers efforts to subdue the land. It really made me feel like I was there.
The Company Daughters is pitched as a colonial love story and that's precisely what it is, although not in the way one might expect. The book does not romanticize any aspect of the experience. Not the harrowing, 10-month journey by ship to reach Batavia. And certainly not what life is like when they arrive, neither for themselves and the other Company Daughters, the Dutch colonizers in their efforts to transplant Dutch culture and practices onto a landscape utterly unsuited to them, nor the fate of the colonized, many of whom are enslaved or, if women, forced into prostitution, disdained by both the colonizers and their own people.
Some of the women, both Dutch and native, find a measure of happiness in Batavia. But many others suffer bitterly under the combined domination of patriarchy, colonization, and slavery in varying incarnations. Jana and Sontje remain committed to each other, their friendship growing, changing, and solidifying as they themselves change and solidify, and learn to adapt to their shared experience. Life will never be the same for either of them and the only familiar memory they have to hold onto is each other.
My favourite part of the book, surprisingly, was the part on the ship. Normally in a book featuring a journey of that length an author would end one chapter with the departure and start the next with the arrival. Not so in this book. Samantha Rajaram gives us the entire journey of progressive boredom, gossip, food scarcity, mental anguish, sickness, shipboard violence, self-discovery, and support and solidarity among all the Company Daughters who manage to survive it all. We are very long in waiting to reach Batavia, but the waiting really works. The entire book has many long periods between big events in the story and yet the author manages to fill these in-between times with heart, meaning, and interest. It is masterful and I am in awe of her skill. I also adored her descriptions of Batavia, the climate, landscape, and lifestyles of the native people in stark contrast to the Dutch colonizers efforts to subdue the land. It really made me feel like I was there.
October 30, 2020
Life has not always been easy for Jana Beil. She is only a young girl when she escapes the clutches of her violent father. Jana rather be in the streets and hungry than living with a drunk and abusive man. This leads Her hungry most nights, sleeping in alleyways with rats and other bugs. Finally, having enough, Jana sets out to find a job and after the 18th door is knocked she lands herself a servant position with the Reynst family. Master Reynst and his daughter Sonjte are kind to Jana and so she finally gets to have a room to herself, food in her belly and a friend of sorts in Sontje. Life is finally easier until the Reynst’s lose their fortune forcing both Sontje and Jana to become company daughters.
Samantha Rajaram has taken a slice of history and poured her heart and soul into The Company Daughters. Her debut novel is rich in history, atmospheric and shows the harsh realities of women during the 17th century. Life during this time was not always kind to women, who really didn’t have a voice. You were either born into wealth or born poor trying to earn a decent living while trying desperately to stay out of working in a brothel.
The Dutch east Indies Company was looking for company daughters. Young women looking to escape Amseterdam due to unfortunate circumstances, to make a better life as wives of settlers in Batavia (present day Jakarta, Indonesia.) Here is where Jana and Sontje find themselves and here is where the story really takes off and shines. Rajaram really writes some heartbreaking and heart wrenching scenes that really pull on your emotions.There are many themes of this story including same sex attraction and falling in love in a time period where it is frowned upon. I really enjoyed how close Jana and Sontje become and the love they share with each other. They only have each other to lean on.
The story is broken up into three sections and each section has its own trials and tribulations as well as both Jana and Sontje learning how to adjust in each new chapter in their lives. But, there is one central theme running through each part and that is how strong women are even faced with adversity in a world where women were often scene but not heard.
If you love historical fiction rich in history and a storyline that can at times bring you to tears, then you definitely do not want to miss out on reading The Company Daughters. This is a definite five star read. I still can’t believe this is a debut novel! Well written, deeply emotional and yet at the same time uplifting.
Samantha Rajaram has taken a slice of history and poured her heart and soul into The Company Daughters. Her debut novel is rich in history, atmospheric and shows the harsh realities of women during the 17th century. Life during this time was not always kind to women, who really didn’t have a voice. You were either born into wealth or born poor trying to earn a decent living while trying desperately to stay out of working in a brothel.
The Dutch east Indies Company was looking for company daughters. Young women looking to escape Amseterdam due to unfortunate circumstances, to make a better life as wives of settlers in Batavia (present day Jakarta, Indonesia.) Here is where Jana and Sontje find themselves and here is where the story really takes off and shines. Rajaram really writes some heartbreaking and heart wrenching scenes that really pull on your emotions.There are many themes of this story including same sex attraction and falling in love in a time period where it is frowned upon. I really enjoyed how close Jana and Sontje become and the love they share with each other. They only have each other to lean on.
The story is broken up into three sections and each section has its own trials and tribulations as well as both Jana and Sontje learning how to adjust in each new chapter in their lives. But, there is one central theme running through each part and that is how strong women are even faced with adversity in a world where women were often scene but not heard.
If you love historical fiction rich in history and a storyline that can at times bring you to tears, then you definitely do not want to miss out on reading The Company Daughters. This is a definite five star read. I still can’t believe this is a debut novel! Well written, deeply emotional and yet at the same time uplifting.
October 31, 2020
The Company Daughters by Samantha Rajaram
Ten months on a boat hoping to reach a life better than the one you left behind cannot have been easy in the 1600’s but perhaps a better option than working in a brothel…or so thought Sontje Reynst and Jana Beil. Their journey was arduous, constrictive, perilous, and created long-lasting friendships that they would need when they arrived in Batavia, now Jakarta.
What I liked:
* Jana: strong, intelligent, gifted, hard worker, a survivor – I liked her grit, stamina, and ability to thrive wherever she was.
* Sontje: a good friend to Jana, calm, cool, docile, did what she had to.
* The feel and voice of the story were true to the times
* The ability to look at without trivializing difficult topics (poverty, slavery, abuse, rape, physical violation, treatment of indigenous people, disease, death, and more)
* Learning more about the era and lives of women
* Wondering how I would have dealt with what the main characters were presented with
* Trying to decide if this would be suitable to read for YA students and the discussions it could provide – the writing was such that it would be easy enough for them to read but some of the topics might disturb or be inappropriate…maybe?
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that this story is based on facts – and the lives of women, indigenous people, slaves and others was not easy.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Ten months on a boat hoping to reach a life better than the one you left behind cannot have been easy in the 1600’s but perhaps a better option than working in a brothel…or so thought Sontje Reynst and Jana Beil. Their journey was arduous, constrictive, perilous, and created long-lasting friendships that they would need when they arrived in Batavia, now Jakarta.
What I liked:
* Jana: strong, intelligent, gifted, hard worker, a survivor – I liked her grit, stamina, and ability to thrive wherever she was.
* Sontje: a good friend to Jana, calm, cool, docile, did what she had to.
* The feel and voice of the story were true to the times
* The ability to look at without trivializing difficult topics (poverty, slavery, abuse, rape, physical violation, treatment of indigenous people, disease, death, and more)
* Learning more about the era and lives of women
* Wondering how I would have dealt with what the main characters were presented with
* Trying to decide if this would be suitable to read for YA students and the discussions it could provide – the writing was such that it would be easy enough for them to read but some of the topics might disturb or be inappropriate…maybe?
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that this story is based on facts – and the lives of women, indigenous people, slaves and others was not easy.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
November 6, 2020
This is essentially a tale of how women are often treated as commodities. This is true all through history. Even as I was reading this beautiful story, I thought of the millions of women in India and around the world who continue to be forced by circumstances and culture to marry men they do not know and move to lands that are so alien to them. But even more than that this is a story of survival, grit, determination and the ability to rise above and even triumph over adverse circumstances.
Rajaram uses vivid imagery as across continents with Jana and Sontje from the cold streets of Amsterdam to the warmer climes of Batavia. How the relationship between the two women – once mistress and maid – evolves is also fascinating.
The author really brought to light the dark history of colonial times – racism, slavery, injustice, cruelty to women and above greed that put power and money over human rights.
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel for the author. It’s so beautifully written – steeped in history and yet she manages to make the characters so believable and the story so moving.
Rajaram uses vivid imagery as across continents with Jana and Sontje from the cold streets of Amsterdam to the warmer climes of Batavia. How the relationship between the two women – once mistress and maid – evolves is also fascinating.
The author really brought to light the dark history of colonial times – racism, slavery, injustice, cruelty to women and above greed that put power and money over human rights.
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel for the author. It’s so beautifully written – steeped in history and yet she manages to make the characters so believable and the story so moving.
October 21, 2020
It's odd how we learn to like certain things because we are expected to. Makes me wonder sometimes if I truly like anything I think I like.I was immediately drawn in by the cover and then locked in by the synopsis. I love historical settings, places, and times I didn't get to see or experience. Once you bite into the cake that's called historical-fiction, you're forever hungry for more.
Inspired by real events and a time when women were bought and sold like objects and transported to Batavia, a Dutch colony, this book is a time-machine that transports you three centuries back.
When Jana meets Sontje, the breathtaking daughter of Jana's kind master, her already turbulent life changes forever. But when Sontje's father dies, she decides to leave Amsterdam and travel to marry a colonist in Batavia, Jana's love for Sontje takes her to Batavia as well. They, along with other Company Daughters, other poor or orphaned women with no other options, sail to the colonial outpost to forget their old lives and establish new ones. Unfortunately, it isn't the paradise island they all want it to be.
I knew from the start it's going to break my heart and instill hope in me simultaneously. I am, without a doubt, in love with this story.
It is slow-paced but easy to read and follow as it is divided into four main parts, each part containing about 20 chapters. Short, easy to digest chapters.
This is a story of one woman, and of them all. Of women that are put in a cage and oppressed by colonialism and patriarchy.
''They don't want us to desire much. Only little things. Brooches and pearl earrings and ribbons for our coiled hair. And after some time, we stop wanting more than that. But the hunger for those little things just grows and grows. Because we never really desired them, but forget how to want the things that mattered to us.''
Jana is inspiring. Her thoughts made me cry, her life story made me cry. The way she describes her emotions is touching and wonderful. She always thought she wasn't special or worthy because she is just a servant but on the contrary. However, she is strong, rebellious, resilient, and an example of so many women who give up everything for love, but also for the right to live life how they want to live. Jana and Sontje find comfort and love in each other.
Unfortunately, Jana's story isn't all rainbows and unicorns, but I am glad to see that in the end, she saw some justice. This is exactly what I expected and wanted for her character.
Sontje was a great character, but I personally related more to Jana. Tobias was a perfect gentleman, and I wished I had more Tobias - Jana scenes, simply because he was one of the first ones, if not the first one to see something in Jana. Plus, he was a gentleman, kind and gentle, and a representation of everything Jana deserved but never had.
I was enraged at how women were treated by men, but even more, enraged with how SOME women treated other women. Petty, sad women who degrade other women to feel better about themselves
and their own pain, instead of supporting each other. Sad, but we see these things happen even three centuries later.
This book will make you think. You will relate to it no matter where you are. It touches on so many serious issues, where seemingly they belong to the post, but when you start peeling off the layers you will realise that some of them are rooted so deeply, and still exist today.
Inspired by real events and a time when women were bought and sold like objects and transported to Batavia, a Dutch colony, this book is a time-machine that transports you three centuries back.
When Jana meets Sontje, the breathtaking daughter of Jana's kind master, her already turbulent life changes forever. But when Sontje's father dies, she decides to leave Amsterdam and travel to marry a colonist in Batavia, Jana's love for Sontje takes her to Batavia as well. They, along with other Company Daughters, other poor or orphaned women with no other options, sail to the colonial outpost to forget their old lives and establish new ones. Unfortunately, it isn't the paradise island they all want it to be.
I knew from the start it's going to break my heart and instill hope in me simultaneously. I am, without a doubt, in love with this story.
It is slow-paced but easy to read and follow as it is divided into four main parts, each part containing about 20 chapters. Short, easy to digest chapters.
This is a story of one woman, and of them all. Of women that are put in a cage and oppressed by colonialism and patriarchy.
''They don't want us to desire much. Only little things. Brooches and pearl earrings and ribbons for our coiled hair. And after some time, we stop wanting more than that. But the hunger for those little things just grows and grows. Because we never really desired them, but forget how to want the things that mattered to us.''
Jana is inspiring. Her thoughts made me cry, her life story made me cry. The way she describes her emotions is touching and wonderful. She always thought she wasn't special or worthy because she is just a servant but on the contrary. However, she is strong, rebellious, resilient, and an example of so many women who give up everything for love, but also for the right to live life how they want to live. Jana and Sontje find comfort and love in each other.
Unfortunately, Jana's story isn't all rainbows and unicorns, but I am glad to see that in the end, she saw some justice. This is exactly what I expected and wanted for her character.
Sontje was a great character, but I personally related more to Jana. Tobias was a perfect gentleman, and I wished I had more Tobias - Jana scenes, simply because he was one of the first ones, if not the first one to see something in Jana. Plus, he was a gentleman, kind and gentle, and a representation of everything Jana deserved but never had.
I was enraged at how women were treated by men, but even more, enraged with how SOME women treated other women. Petty, sad women who degrade other women to feel better about themselves
and their own pain, instead of supporting each other. Sad, but we see these things happen even three centuries later.
This book will make you think. You will relate to it no matter where you are. It touches on so many serious issues, where seemingly they belong to the post, but when you start peeling off the layers you will realise that some of them are rooted so deeply, and still exist today.
October 28, 2020
‘The Company Daughters’ tells the story of Jana who is sent off to Batavia to be married and finds herself on a discovery of love and life.
‘The Company Daughters’ is loosely based off the real life story of the Company Daughters who used to take the daunting 10 month journey from Amsterdam to Batavia in the seventeenth century to be married off.
Women during those times were married off and didn’t get much say in any decisions. It was a time when women had no choice but to do what they was told and were kept women.
Most of the story takes place on the journey to Batavia. During what is a harrowing journey to Batavia they find out the dangers of been on the water and a deadly sickness has come upon the boat. But Jana soon finds some happiness which she finds herself having to remain a secret.
However, Jana is a force to be reckoned with and stands up for what’s she believes in. She pays the slaves where others wouldn’t and goes on to sell lace despite it been frowned upon at first. I loved reading about a character who I felt I could partly relate to as a strong, independent woman who fights for what she believes in and wants to make a difference to the world.
This is highly descriptive, you really get a feel for the hardships Jana and the rest of the daughters entail throughout this story. It’s a harrowing and touching story and I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of historical fiction.
Merged review:
The Company’s Daughter
‘The Company Daughters’ tells the story of Jana who is sent off to Batavia to be married and finds herself on a discovery of love and life.
‘The Company Daughters’ is loosely based off the real life story of the Company Daughters who used to take the daunting 10 month journey from Amsterdam to Batavia in the seventeenth century to be married off.
Women during those times were married off and didn’t get much say in any decisions. It was a time when women had no choice but to do what they was told and were kept women.
Most of the story takes place on the journey to Batavia. During what is a harrowing journey to Batavia they find out the dangers of been on the water and a deadly sickness has come upon the boat. But Jana soon finds some happiness which she finds herself having to remain a secret.
However, Jana is a force to be reckoned with and stands up for what’s she believes in. She pays the slaves where others wouldn’t and goes on to sell lace despite it been frowned upon at first. I loved reading about a character who I felt I could partly relate to as a strong, independent woman who fights for what she believes in and wants to make a difference to the world.
This is highly descriptive, you really get a feel for the hardships Jana and the rest of the daughters entail throughout this story. It’s a harrowing and touching story and I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of historical fiction.
July 1, 2021
After living in The Netherlands for 6 months when I was a university student, I'm always interested in reading books set in The Netherlands, especially historical fiction and particularly about the Dutch East India Company.
This book is set in three parts. The first is set in Amsterdam in 1616 where Jana is a servant in a merchant's household. The daughter is Sontje and after her father loses all his wealth she is poverty stricken due to his debts and her fiancee breaks off their engagement. She feels she has no alternative but to travel to Batavia (modern day Indonesia) to become a bride for a Dutch settler and Jana follows her. The second part describes the 10 month journey of Jana and Sontje and other women who are travelling to be brides. The journey is hellish and the descriptions harrowing - the food, behaviour of the sailors, etc. The third part of the book is set in Batavia and describes the experiences of Jana in the new colony.
This novel is based on true events and I was horrified to read how these women were treated (most were poor, orphaned, etc.) and were essentially "trafficked" to the colonies as brides for Dutch men. It is told in the first person by Jana and I empathised and liked her character's strength and resilience, but the story didn't captivate me like I thought it would. Perhaps, a 3rd person narrative would have expanded the story beyond Jana's personal experiences to show more diversity in The Netherlands, on the ship and in the colony.
This book is set in three parts. The first is set in Amsterdam in 1616 where Jana is a servant in a merchant's household. The daughter is Sontje and after her father loses all his wealth she is poverty stricken due to his debts and her fiancee breaks off their engagement. She feels she has no alternative but to travel to Batavia (modern day Indonesia) to become a bride for a Dutch settler and Jana follows her. The second part describes the 10 month journey of Jana and Sontje and other women who are travelling to be brides. The journey is hellish and the descriptions harrowing - the food, behaviour of the sailors, etc. The third part of the book is set in Batavia and describes the experiences of Jana in the new colony.
This novel is based on true events and I was horrified to read how these women were treated (most were poor, orphaned, etc.) and were essentially "trafficked" to the colonies as brides for Dutch men. It is told in the first person by Jana and I empathised and liked her character's strength and resilience, but the story didn't captivate me like I thought it would. Perhaps, a 3rd person narrative would have expanded the story beyond Jana's personal experiences to show more diversity in The Netherlands, on the ship and in the colony.
September 22, 2020
At once a tender and poignant love story and an intricate exploration of the lives of women in the Dutch Golden Age, THE COMPANY DAUGHTERS is a revelation of a novel. Sweeping but intimate, it follows Jana Beil as she follows the woman she loves from the streets of Amsterdam to the colonial outpost of Java. Both settings are rendered in full, exquisite detail that is both visceral and beautiful - Rajaram does not shy away from the grim realities of how women of the era were forced to live out their lives at the mercy of men, nor does she fail to acknowledge the violence and ugliness of colonialism. Ultimately, though, it is a book about Jana's efforts to carve out a life of safety and love in an hostile, unforgiving world. Heart-wrenching but hopeful - this story lingered with me for a long time.
December 13, 2020
This was a great and immersive read. The tone and Dutch setting reminded me a lot of "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier.
The Dutch words throughout bthe book sometimes kicked me out of the writing and I think I would've preferred less of them.
Topics are quite harrowing at times and range from sex trafficking, rape, abuse, violence and extreme poverty to lots of death.
Nevertheless a good read I can recommend to any historical fiction fan, who likes F/F romance/relationship.
The Dutch words throughout bthe book sometimes kicked me out of the writing and I think I would've preferred less of them.
Topics are quite harrowing at times and range from sex trafficking, rape, abuse, violence and extreme poverty to lots of death.
Nevertheless a good read I can recommend to any historical fiction fan, who likes F/F romance/relationship.
October 29, 2020
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DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Company Daughters is a sweeping tale of what it means to be a woman in a world where the odds are always stacked against them. Samantha Rajaram is, without a doubt, talented in spinning stories by drawing inspiration from real-life events. The accounts were, in my opinion, well-researched to provide an authentic portrayal of the conditions of a colonized nation. It also depicts the circumstances of the women who were taken from their home countries to serve the settler men. I have been reading so many character-driven historical fiction stories based on true-events talking about the effects of colonization on communities and the women as well. This novel had similar themes, and I have to say it did not disappoint either in delivering a compelling story with a strong protagonist.
Samantha Rajaram through The Company Daughters tells us the story of Jana, who escaped the violence of her father only to be thrust, into employment in the city brothels. Her life is full of hardship, and her goal is to stay employed to escape the choices put on her. Life hasn't been kind to her at all, and despite all of her horrible experiences, she doesn't let them deter her from earning an honest living without sacrificing her soul. She gets hired as a servant for the Reynst household, where she encounters a kind employer, a welcome change from her past. Things change for the best, and Jana hopes for a better future. Unfortunately, the good things never last, and Master Reynst loses his fortune in a bad investment leaving Jana and Sontje - Master Reynst's daughter destitute. The two of them decide to sign-up for the Dutch East India Company's Company Daughters system to escape their dire circumstances. The orphan daughters are taken to the colonial outposts as mail order brides to be married off to the settlers. Life in Batavia is not what they were promised, and they have to adjust to the new world and a distinct way of life. The story is brimming with hope, tragedies, and harsh realities of life. It talks about women's resistance against an oppressive system that is, designed to benefit only men.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I had a good time reading the book. I believe these untold and lesser-known colonial history needs to be brought to the attention of people. The unflinching and brutally honest portrayal of slavery, effects of colonization, cruelties inflicted on women, exploitation of minor groups, racism, and the superior attitude of the settlers is something that shines through the pages. The horrors and realities of poverty are also depicted truthfully, taking the readers through the lives of the characters. If you love slower-paced historical fiction featuring strong protagonists striving for a better life and rising from their challenging situations, then this story is for you. It is an inspiring story of the resistance of woman and their survival in a world where men define them and rule them. I loved the beautiful writing and elaborate descriptions. The story is a testament to the courage, strength, and perseverance of strong-minded women in a harsh world. I gave the book 4 stars, and I highly recommend checking it out. If you love learning more about colonial history, I recommend picking this one up.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Company Daughters is a sweeping tale of what it means to be a woman in a world where the odds are always stacked against them. Samantha Rajaram is, without a doubt, talented in spinning stories by drawing inspiration from real-life events. The accounts were, in my opinion, well-researched to provide an authentic portrayal of the conditions of a colonized nation. It also depicts the circumstances of the women who were taken from their home countries to serve the settler men. I have been reading so many character-driven historical fiction stories based on true-events talking about the effects of colonization on communities and the women as well. This novel had similar themes, and I have to say it did not disappoint either in delivering a compelling story with a strong protagonist.
Samantha Rajaram through The Company Daughters tells us the story of Jana, who escaped the violence of her father only to be thrust, into employment in the city brothels. Her life is full of hardship, and her goal is to stay employed to escape the choices put on her. Life hasn't been kind to her at all, and despite all of her horrible experiences, she doesn't let them deter her from earning an honest living without sacrificing her soul. She gets hired as a servant for the Reynst household, where she encounters a kind employer, a welcome change from her past. Things change for the best, and Jana hopes for a better future. Unfortunately, the good things never last, and Master Reynst loses his fortune in a bad investment leaving Jana and Sontje - Master Reynst's daughter destitute. The two of them decide to sign-up for the Dutch East India Company's Company Daughters system to escape their dire circumstances. The orphan daughters are taken to the colonial outposts as mail order brides to be married off to the settlers. Life in Batavia is not what they were promised, and they have to adjust to the new world and a distinct way of life. The story is brimming with hope, tragedies, and harsh realities of life. It talks about women's resistance against an oppressive system that is, designed to benefit only men.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I had a good time reading the book. I believe these untold and lesser-known colonial history needs to be brought to the attention of people. The unflinching and brutally honest portrayal of slavery, effects of colonization, cruelties inflicted on women, exploitation of minor groups, racism, and the superior attitude of the settlers is something that shines through the pages. The horrors and realities of poverty are also depicted truthfully, taking the readers through the lives of the characters. If you love slower-paced historical fiction featuring strong protagonists striving for a better life and rising from their challenging situations, then this story is for you. It is an inspiring story of the resistance of woman and their survival in a world where men define them and rule them. I loved the beautiful writing and elaborate descriptions. The story is a testament to the courage, strength, and perseverance of strong-minded women in a harsh world. I gave the book 4 stars, and I highly recommend checking it out. If you love learning more about colonial history, I recommend picking this one up.
September 21, 2020
A book about love, power, shame, adventure, and everything else it means to be a woman.
From the moment I read the lyrical prose of this striking opening, I was absolutely enraptured by this book. THE COMPANY DAUGHTERS was an emotional epic I couldn't put down--I was transported by the lush description, the heart-breaking characterization, and the smooth yet gripping plot that was firmly grounded in history but had all the emotional muscle of soap opera, the haunting intuition of a ghost story, and the skillfully constructed prose of an epic poem. This is the kind of book that defies genre--it fits easily into a book group, a college English class, or a hammock on the beach.
I read it everywhere, stealing moments in the bathroom, putting it on audio when I had to drive somewhere, curling up with it into the wee hours of the night. More than once, it brought me to tears, the kind of tears where you are sobbing so hard you can't breathe and hold the book to your chest, just heartbroken and hopeful for the vivid people Samantha Rajaram has constructed.
I loved Jana and her absolute will to survive in the face of so many obstacles in a way that speaks to modern women and particularly marginalized women--and as a woman of color, I appreciated the sensitive way this author navigated the tricky historical situation of the meeting of two cultures.
Honestly, this was such a beautiful book that I'd follow the author anywhere. Samantha Rajaram is on my auto-buy list, forever.
"Three knocks on the door. I use the knuckle of my forefinger, quiet but distinct.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap."
From the moment I read the lyrical prose of this striking opening, I was absolutely enraptured by this book. THE COMPANY DAUGHTERS was an emotional epic I couldn't put down--I was transported by the lush description, the heart-breaking characterization, and the smooth yet gripping plot that was firmly grounded in history but had all the emotional muscle of soap opera, the haunting intuition of a ghost story, and the skillfully constructed prose of an epic poem. This is the kind of book that defies genre--it fits easily into a book group, a college English class, or a hammock on the beach.
I read it everywhere, stealing moments in the bathroom, putting it on audio when I had to drive somewhere, curling up with it into the wee hours of the night. More than once, it brought me to tears, the kind of tears where you are sobbing so hard you can't breathe and hold the book to your chest, just heartbroken and hopeful for the vivid people Samantha Rajaram has constructed.
I loved Jana and her absolute will to survive in the face of so many obstacles in a way that speaks to modern women and particularly marginalized women--and as a woman of color, I appreciated the sensitive way this author navigated the tricky historical situation of the meeting of two cultures.
Honestly, this was such a beautiful book that I'd follow the author anywhere. Samantha Rajaram is on my auto-buy list, forever.
October 24, 2020
Six girls, mostly orphans, are sent to Batavia to marry the men of the East India Company. Jana is a survivor and quite lonely so when she falls is love she wants to hold on to it. Even if that means marrying a stranger to stay near Sontje, the woman she loves. Along the way she experiences love, heartbreak and grief, while finding family, freedom and purpose.
When I read historical fiction I try to go in with no expectations and just enjoy the journey. That was so easy to do with "The Company Daughters'. I never felt like I was reading a book, I felt like I was living it. The entire book is from her perspective so we get a good look at how she, as a woman, never feels truly free. There is a lovely romance within this story but it is not a romantic book. It is the story of Jana's life, from an abused child runaway to liberated young mother. The writing was beautiful, it painted the setting and atmosphere perfectly without being overly flowery or boring. And what a lovely hopeful vision that ending was.
E-arc provided by NetGalley/Bookouture in exchange for honest review.
When I read historical fiction I try to go in with no expectations and just enjoy the journey. That was so easy to do with "The Company Daughters'. I never felt like I was reading a book, I felt like I was living it. The entire book is from her perspective so we get a good look at how she, as a woman, never feels truly free. There is a lovely romance within this story but it is not a romantic book. It is the story of Jana's life, from an abused child runaway to liberated young mother. The writing was beautiful, it painted the setting and atmosphere perfectly without being overly flowery or boring. And what a lovely hopeful vision that ending was.
E-arc provided by NetGalley/Bookouture in exchange for honest review.
November 6, 2020
The Company Daughters by Samantha Rajaram
In early 1600s the Dutch East Indies Company had the beginnings of a booming trade industry between their new colony of Batavia and the rest of the world. As the new colony grew, their attempt to model it after their loved homeland of Amsterdam began to falter, due to the lack of women. Their solution - seek young orphaned females to send to Batavia. Their passage and dowry paid in exchange for their marriage to a colonist upon arrival. These girls were called Company Daughters.
This story follows two young women, Jana and Sontje, as they join the first group of six 'Company Daughters' to take this journey. The women have been promised fine young soldiers wanting for wives - not at all what they find waiting for them.
I really wanted to like this book. The story interested me right away, couldn't wait to read. The writing was fine, maybe slightly awkward in a few spots, but nothing that would interfere with enjoying the story. Unfortunately I kept waiting for 'the good part' to start, but it just never did, remained fairly uneventful throughout.
In early 1600s the Dutch East Indies Company had the beginnings of a booming trade industry between their new colony of Batavia and the rest of the world. As the new colony grew, their attempt to model it after their loved homeland of Amsterdam began to falter, due to the lack of women. Their solution - seek young orphaned females to send to Batavia. Their passage and dowry paid in exchange for their marriage to a colonist upon arrival. These girls were called Company Daughters.
This story follows two young women, Jana and Sontje, as they join the first group of six 'Company Daughters' to take this journey. The women have been promised fine young soldiers wanting for wives - not at all what they find waiting for them.
I really wanted to like this book. The story interested me right away, couldn't wait to read. The writing was fine, maybe slightly awkward in a few spots, but nothing that would interfere with enjoying the story. Unfortunately I kept waiting for 'the good part' to start, but it just never did, remained fairly uneventful throughout.
October 30, 2020
This is an absolute gem of a book and I was delighted to have been approved for it. So excited it went straight to the top of my reading list.
I came across this novel on Twitter and after reading the synopsis decided I had to read it. I had never heard of women being transported to Batavia (now Jakarta) to start married life with Company husbands in the colony.
It’s a rough story – Jana and her friend Sontje who come from different backgrounds and different beginnings, but both take the perilous journey from Amsterdam to Jakarta in the early 17th century. Both are very different, but both are survivors, and this is their story, the story of the orphan woman who were transported out to Jakarta and treated as possessions.
What comes out is an epic journey of love, self-discovery and survival. Impressively researched its hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
Thank you again to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC in return for this very honest review.
I came across this novel on Twitter and after reading the synopsis decided I had to read it. I had never heard of women being transported to Batavia (now Jakarta) to start married life with Company husbands in the colony.
It’s a rough story – Jana and her friend Sontje who come from different backgrounds and different beginnings, but both take the perilous journey from Amsterdam to Jakarta in the early 17th century. Both are very different, but both are survivors, and this is their story, the story of the orphan woman who were transported out to Jakarta and treated as possessions.
What comes out is an epic journey of love, self-discovery and survival. Impressively researched its hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
Thank you again to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC in return for this very honest review.
May 30, 2022
This is a fantastic view into 1600's Amsterdam and the long-dissolved country of Batavia.
Short synopsis:
An abused 18 year old girl travels to Batavia via ship, the conditions of which are horrifying, on a months-long journey to follow a woman with whom she has fallen in love.
A premier shipping company decided to take women (for a fee) to the newly colonized country of Batavia to marry and procreate with Dutchmen who had colonized the island.
It tells of conditions women endure in Amsterdam and Batavia and the ships on which they travel through a woman's perspective. In this, it is similar to the amazing book The Red Tent.
This one is a must-read if you love historical fiction with some nonfiction details thrown in.
Short synopsis:
An abused 18 year old girl travels to Batavia via ship, the conditions of which are horrifying, on a months-long journey to follow a woman with whom she has fallen in love.
A premier shipping company decided to take women (for a fee) to the newly colonized country of Batavia to marry and procreate with Dutchmen who had colonized the island.
It tells of conditions women endure in Amsterdam and Batavia and the ships on which they travel through a woman's perspective. In this, it is similar to the amazing book The Red Tent.
This one is a must-read if you love historical fiction with some nonfiction details thrown in.
September 27, 2020
Hard to believe this is a debut novel: The writing is so assured and descriptive, the plotting so tight, the characterizations so believable. The story also benefits from a setting relatively unknown to most of us in the West (or at least to me): colonial Batavia, or what is now Jakarta, Indonesia. The primary reason I'm giving it four rather than five stars is that I felt somewhat distanced from some of the most pivotal moments. That could be just me, or it could have been in keeping with the narrator Jana's overall psychology—probably both—but as a result I didn't experience an emotional wallop I'd have expected from a few key events. That said, "The Company Daughters" should definitely go on the to-read list of those who relish quality historical fiction.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
The Company Daughters is a creative novel. I love reading colonial history and this one has many interesting twists. I admired Jana's strength. Whatever life threw at her she met the challenges. She grabbed at happiness to emigrate to the Dutch colony of Batavia. I liked her relationship with the local native women and how they formed a business together. I think that was the best part of the book. Rajaram capture the voices of seventeenth century characters very well with all of the highlights, but also the drawbacks. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
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