Long Journey Home

The story of Harry and Christine Meijer on its face is not unique. Throughout history, countless individuals have endured immense physical and psychological trauma as a result of war and authoritarian regimes. These tyrannical leaders motivated by a desire for absolute control and subjugation of the population, inflicted immense suffering upon civilian populations. Born in a country under colonial rule, Harry and Christine in their formative years were undoubtedly marked by a confluence of economic and cultural challenges. However, the true crucible of their lives emerged at the dawn of their adulthood, when they were confronted with adversities of unimaginable magnitude. Their narrative encompasses the reality of lingering PTSD suffered by Harry and Christine, which significantly impacted their nine children during tumultuous migrations across three continents, demanding constant adaptation to unfamiliar cultures and languages. Despite facing these significant hardships, the remarkable resilience and ultimate triumph over adversity stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for perseverance. Grounded in meticulous historical detail and enriched with poignant anecdotes, this work offers readers the opportunity to glean novel insights into the hardships endured by millions in the South Pacific during World War II and also serves as a source of inspiration for overcoming their own challenges.