Daughters of the Wreckage by Stefanie Koens

 

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia's remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers--both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.

In 1628, Saskia, an orphaned young Dutchwoman, boards Batavia with relatives, bound for a new and potentially dangerous life in the East Indies--only for her world to first collide with Aris Jansz, the ship's taciturn under surgeon.

Tess, Saskia, and Aris--their lives linked by secrets that span generations--carry the baggage of past losses and the uncertainty of their futures. And, in the most unlikely circumstances, they may find qualities that echo through centuries: faith, acceptance, and love.

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About The Author

 

Anthea Syrokou is an author who grew up and resides in Sydney, Australia.

Anthea's love for writing was planted at a young age when she studied Greek mythology. Her love for literature continued well into her teenage years when she enjoyed reading novels by many of the great English writers.

Her new novel, Curiosity Spares the Butterfly, is a coming-of-age literary tale in the upmarket fiction/mystery genres, and was just released on the 2nd March, 2026.

Anthea has a BA degree, majoring in psychology and industrial relations, and a diploma in counselling. She also studied Greek literature at university and has worked in direct marketing, and insurance and investments.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Anthea enjoys travelling, yoga, spending time with her family, and escaping to the vineyards. A quiet house with some jazz playing in the background, surrounded by a few lit scented candles is her idea of relaxation. Even though Anthea dreams about hosting the “perfect” dinner party, she is more likely to be found at a cosy, candlelit restaurant. She lives with her husband and their two sons, and enjoys regular visits from the neighbour's cat.

 

My Review

 

This is such at times sad story, you will wonder what makes some people tick, Evil!
Tess McCarthy recently lost her Dad, and she ends up going to western Australia’s Abrolhos Islands. Her Dad had been doing research on the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1628, and more specifically, her Mom's ancestor Aris Jansz.
While we discover a lot of facts, and a lot disturbing happenings, this is 2018, and a dual time read. We are with Tess and Drew at archaeology dig, and piece together a lot of the distant past.
You will be page turning for answers, and the author did a get job of weaving this read.
I enjoyed that the author gave us more than even Tess was privy to, and be sure to read the author's notes!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.