Title: Kinderen van Moeder Aarde
Author: Thea Beckman
First published January 1, 1985
347 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9789060696125 (ISBN10: 9060696123)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
Six centuries after the Third World War, the world has been devastated by a nuclear war. However, a land once known as Greenland, now called Thule, has become a haven with a delightful climate where people live in harmony with nature.
In this land, women reign without an army and without weapons. One day, an unknown ship appears in the fjord, and it turns out to be from the Baden Empire, who plan to conquer Thule.
But how hard can it be to conquer a land without weapons and ruled by women? The Badeners soon discover unexpected resistance.
Discover the epic adventure of Thule in the first book of the Thule trilogy, Children of Mother Earth.
About the Author
Born in Rotterdam in 1923, Thea Beckman was a writer who began her career in 1947. However, it wasn’t until her children were grown that she was able to fully devote herself to writing.
Her 1973 novel, Crusade in Jeans, quickly became a hit and established her as one of the most beloved authors of children’s literature in the Netherlands. Ms. Beckman’s passion for history is evident in her writing, as she has penned numerous books that explore a variety of historical periods.
Editoral Review
Kinderen van Moeder Aarde by Thea Beckman is a classic Dutch novel that was first published on January 1, 1985. Thea Beckman is well known in the Netherlands for her historical novels aimed at both young adults and adults.
In Kinderen van Moeder Aarde, Beckman takes on the genre of science fiction and dystopian stories, but adds her own distinctive touch. The story begins in a post-apocalyptic future where the world is divided into two parts: the Upper World and the Lower World.
The inhabitants of the Upper World stand on the brink of extinction and therefore seek to eliminate the Lower World, populated by savage tribes who live in harmony with nature. When the two groups clash, the protagonist of the story, a young girl named Elselina, is caught between the two worlds.
Kinderen van Moeder Aarde is a captivating novel with a strong and engrossing storyline. It explores themes of ecology, sustainability, and the consequences of human actions in the face of a changing world.
Beckman masterfully balances her incisive social commentary with a gripping plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The rich and vivid world-building is one of the novel’s key strengths, bringing to life the contrasting cultures and beliefs of the Upper and Lower Worlds.
Beckman’s descriptions of nature and the environment are equally compelling, bringing into sharp focus the dangers of exploiting the natural world at the expense of future generations. The character development in Kinderen van Moeder Aarde is also impressive.
Elselina’s journey from a young girl caught in a bitter conflict to becoming an influential leader capable of understanding and bringing about change is one that readers will admire and be inspired by. Even secondary characters are finely drawn and lend an extra layer of depth to the story.
However, some readers may find that the pacing of the story is uneven, and at times the narrative slows down. Additionally, some of the supporting characters could have been more fleshed out to provide a greater emotional impact.
Overall, Kinderen van Moeder Aarde is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. The themes and messages of the book remain relevant to current issues such as climate change, environmental policy, and sustainable development, making it a must-read for readers interested in these topics.
I would recommend this book to fans of science fiction, dystopian novels, and young adult fiction. It is a testament to the enduring quality of the work that it has become a classic of Dutch literature.
I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5, based on its strong plot, characterization, and thematic depth.
