A Novel

Maartje Quivooy

Maartje Quivooy (pronounced Maartye Keevooy) emigrated from the Netherlands to New Zealand in 1954, when she was 26 years old. She had just qualified as a nurse, but like thousands of young Dutch people at the time, found there was little in the way of work in post-war Holland, so she joined the exodus of people departing for a better life in countries such as Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Maartje travelled alone and knew no one in New Zealand, although work in a hospital and accommodation had been pre-arranged. She spoke almost no English at the time, which was she says, difficult, but she has never regretted the decision to immigrate. Maartje's experiences as an immigrant to this country are reflected in the fictional life of Lottie, the heroine of her debut novel, Right as Rain.

Fresh off the boat from Holland, Lottie knows hardly a soul in New Zealand. She is shy and speaks very little English, but she soon makes friends and proves her worth as a nurse at the local hospital.  A young Dutchman, Tom, who has been in the country for four years, also makes an impression.  Right as Rain tells the story of Lottie's roller-coaster life as a stranger in a foreign country, struggling with a new language and unfamiliar customs.

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Reviews

‘This is a much better written story than the outline would indicate. Reading it one realises how society has changed since the 1950s, how more cosmopolitan our population has become and what we as a country owe to our Dutch settlers. ‘Well worth reading more than once, if only to metaphorically walk in someone’s clogs.’ Southland Times

‘Although parts of the story will twist your heart, it’s still overall joyous. It’s unpretentious, direct and very friendly to a reader: the story of a journey that remains hopeful to the end.’ New Zealand Listener

‘It would be hard to imagine anything more different than Maartje Quivooy’s Right as Rain. An earnest, straightforward novel . . . much of it probably will be recognisable territory to that Dutch immigrant generation.’ Dominion Post

‘A touching story of a young woman’s life journey. Very easy to read, and for such a small book it was full of emotion and truth.’
The Northern Advocate

‘It is a riveting story that can be strongly recommended to you because it is keenly observed and well written.’ Dutch Weekly

‘Quivooy’s achievement is to turn a life that is mildly eventful into a story that’s interesting and readable because of the details, and the warmth of many of her characters.’ Otago Daily Times

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SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 198 x 126 mm
Format: paperback
Extent: 256 pages
Weight: 350 gms
First published: April 2004
ISBN: 978-0-908988-28-0