This story is about a life of a courageous mother, Clara,along with her three children,Claartje, willem and Gijs, living in a concentration camp during World war 2. They were once wealthy, with servants to cater to all of their needs, until the Japanese came, who raided their house and forced them to live in a concentration camp in Batavia, while the father was forced to work on the Burma railroad.

Now, with three little lives under her hands, she must do what it takes as a mother to protect her children from any harm. However, it would not be an easy task. It would be a test of perseverance, strength and survival. Before they left for the camp, Clara brought along all the necessary items and a picture of a flamboya tree.

As the days passes in the camp, lives were lost and fears overwhelmed the prisoners every moment. Tricks were played on the prisoners by the japanese and the harsh routine would torment them, though joyous occasion would happen once awhile. However Clara’s spirit will always be lighted by the picture of the flamboya tree.

One day the japanese lost the war and the camp was no longer used by the japanese. Prisoners have to await the long arrival of the british army to rescue them and more problems lied ahead for Clara and her children.

Finally the day has come for the four of them to live together with their grandmother in Switerland. After they had recovered, Clara, along with Claartje, willem,Gijs and a newborn Helena,lived in a small farmhouse in England where she died and all her children went their seperate ways.

This book is highly recommended for readers of all ages. It is very descriptive and vivid images would appear with every sentence; as if you were present during the period. A touching story filled with emotions- rage, helplessness, happiness, sorrow. All of these feelings are being packed into a book, which will bound to captivate the readers. Morals value such as perserveerence too can be learnt from this story which could help improve one’s character. Lastly, this story portrays the impact of a war and how much sufferings it brought to those who are not even involve in the war.

“The flamboya tree is like a bright jewel found in a dust of fading history…”

By:

Joey Leau Presbyterian

high school,Singaprore