Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam by Lana W Holden

This historical fiction novel about Catalyntje Trico is the stirring account of a brave young woman who leaves her home during the Spanish Inquisition in 1623 and follows an unexpected path to the unique colony of New Netherland, led by the Dutch. Once there, she experiences backbreaking work, death, loneliness, love, and triumphs.

Catalyntje's story opens a window into what life was like in New Netherland, a colony remarkably different from those established by the English then. As her story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Catalyntje was the only European to experience every single day the colony existed. She was on the first ship of colonists to land on its shores and was still there on the day the British took over forty years later. Catalyntje's poignant story, filled with courage, determination, and love, helps us recognize the impact our lives can have on others for generations.

Review Quotes:

"I am biased because I am related to Catalyntje Trico. I have read Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto, but this historical fiction account of the settlement of New Amsterdam (New York) by Lana Holden is so descriptive and yet still fact-based. It would be great for any student of U.S. history to read it in order to better understand the challenges of our early colonizers, their relationships to the Native Americans, and their amazing strengths. Thank you, Lana, for writing this wonderful book! I'm so grateful."

"I read your book and enjoyed it very much. It is clear that you did an enormous amount of research, and the result is that you recreated the world of New Amsterdam/New Netherland most vividly. I learned so much. I loved the way you brought in so many details including the way people dealt with creating a new life in a wild and difficult land, the Kieft Wars, the relations with the Native Americans, the arrival of the British, and so on. I came to like Catalyntje very much."

"I loved this book! Catalyntje's story is so full of bravery and persistence!! Ms. Holden brought her alive to me with her writing which I really appreciate. The story of Fort Orange, New Amsterdam and New Netherlands is important to the history our country. I recognized a lot of information from historical records. A book about a strong woman by a strong woman is important for all of us."

Lana Waite Holden is an educator residing in the Pacific Northwest. She teaches history and English to junior high students and has recently published her first historical fiction novel. In her leisure time, Lana and her husband enjoy wandering through the forests of the Cascade Mountains with their black lab. Lana also enjoys reading books and old journals, tending her garden, visiting cemeteries, and discovering interesting historical facts wherever she can find them.