Survival in Paradise

The memoir offers a poignant glimpse into a young boy's life in the Caribbean West Indies post-World War Two, capturing his experiences in Suriname and Curaçao from 1942 to 1951. It explores the complexities of growing up amid the clash of colonial Dutch, native Curaçaoan, and refugee cultures. Manfred's longing to embrace the vibrant local culture contrasts with his parents' struggles to cope with their traumatic past, highlighting the lasting impact of war on family dynamics and personal identity.