Jan Brokken Book order

The narrative centers around Jan Zwartendijk, whose remarkable and lesser-known story unfolds through a lens of historical significance and personal impact. The author reflects on the missed opportunity to capture Zwartendijk's experiences on film, highlighting the importance of his actions and the broader implications of his life. This exploration invites readers to consider the power of storytelling and the legacies left behind by individuals who made a difference in challenging times.

The remarkable story of how a consul and his allies helped save thousands of Jews from the Holocaust in one of the greatest rescue operations of the twentieth century. In May 1940, Jan Zwartendijk, the director of the Lithuanian branch of the Philips electrical-goods company, stepped into history when he accepted the honorary role of Dutch consul. In Kaunas, the capital of Lithuania, desperate Jewish refugees faced annihilation in the Holocaust. That was when Zwartendijk, with the help of Chiune Sugihara, the consul for Japan, and the Dutch ambassador in Riga, Latvia -- chose to break his country's diplomatic rules. He opened up a possible route to freedom through the ruse of issuing visas to the Dutch colony of Curacao on the other side of the world. Thanks to these visas, and Sugihara's approval of onward passage, many Jews - up to 10,000 - were able to travel on the Trans-Siberian Express all through Soviet Russia to Vladivostok, further to Japan, and onwards to China. Most of the Jews whom Zwartendijk helped escape survived the war, and they and their descendants settled in America, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Zwartendijk and Sugihara were true heroes, and yet they were both shunned by their own countries after the war, and their courageous, unstinting actions have remained relatively unknown. In The Just, renowned Dutch author Jan Brokken wrests this heroic story from oblivion and traces the journeys of a number of the rescued Jews. This epic narrative shows how, even in life-threatening circumstances, some people make the right choice at the right time. It is a lesson in character and courage

The narrative explores the profound connection between Antillean music and Frédéric Chopin, as evidenced by a commemorative service attended by eleven Antilleans in 1999. Their tribute at the church housing Chopin's heart highlights the composer's significant influence on Antillean musical heritage. Dutch author Jan Brokken, inspired by this event and his experiences in Curaçao, weaves a unique blend of personal reflection and cultural history, offering insights into the enduring impact of Chopin on the Caribbean's musical landscape.

Delving into a unique Caribbean musical tradition, this book highlights the diverse influences that shaped its development, including European, African, and New World elements. It uncovers the historical contexts and cultural exchanges that contributed to the evolution of this genre, offering a fresh perspective on its significance and impact. Through detailed analysis, the work aims to illuminate the rich tapestry of sounds and styles that define this overlooked aspect of Caribbean music.