Shortly before the Japanese invade, the van Hoorn family throws their famous Sinterklaas party at their tea plantation. One of their guests, Mattijs, a Dutch pilot, hopes to forge a future in the Dutch East Indies, possibly with the family’s daughter, Anna, but she is torn between her dreams of Holland and her desire to belong.
Meanwhile the housekeeper, Diah, keenly observes the goings-on around the plantation, wondering how much to tell her freedom-fighter brother. When the Japanese forces finally arrive on Java’s doorstep, they all have to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives, especially those who must evacuate to Australia.
Sunbirds depicts the intricate web of identities and loyalties created by war and imperialism, and the heartbreaking compromises that so often ensue.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
In the steamy plantations of Java, with the Japanese invasion imminent, this beautifully written World War II story captures the story of young people discovering who they are, amidst the pressures and expectations of who they’re meant to be. With a sense of place so exquisite you can almost smell the lemongrass and feel the gritty dust stick to your skin in the stifling humidity, the intertwining lives and passions of Anna, Mattijs, Sagit and Diah come to life captivate the reader as they each struggle to discover where their loyalties and true identities lie. Riwoe’s clever use of the novelette throughout adds another dimension to the story and uncovers another fascinating character caught up in this story of love, family, war, colonialism, love and sacrifice. The depth of detail weaved through the novel is captivating, as it delves into the characters’ conflicting emotions and builds to a climax of decisions that will change their lives forever. Louise, NSW, 5 Stars
Sunbirds is such a beautiful read. I felt like every sentence was crafted with the colour and perfume of 1940s West Java, a country I hadn’t experienced before this novel, but felt I got to live in, through Sunbirds. But it wasn’t just the landscape that enthralled me. The characters were so clearly drawn; Diah, with her patience, perspective and housekeeping craft was a particular favourite. I wanted to take her home with me. If you are looking for a book to take you away while teaching you about a moment in history, this is it. Kim, WA, 5 Stars
Mirandi Riwoe is a Queensland author who writes exquisite historical fiction. Sunbirds takes readers from wartime Java to Australia. We meet Mattie, a Dutch pilot, who hopes to forge a knife with plantation owner’s daughter, Anna. Then there’s the housekeeper Diah, who knows all the goings on around the plantation. Sunbirds is an exquisitely written account of the loyalties and web of identities forged during a war and the decisions that must be made in order to survive. It’s a riveting and romantic story about a time and way of life that this reader knew little about. Michelle, QLD, 5 Stars
Such a beautiful story. Captivating and inspiring. I loved how the author transported the reader to feel as if they were part of the story. The depth of characters was incredible and riveting. The history of life on a tea plantation in Java, the families and workers, and the implications of the impending invasion of the Japanese in 1942 was captivating and immensely interesting. A story of love, intrigue, drama and duties we all have in families. Highly recommend this book. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
Sunbirds is a story of a little-known area of history, yet is so close to Australia. Mirandi Riwoe’s novel of the Dutch East Indies is set on the Van Hoorn family’s sugar plantation in Java leading up to the invasion in 1942 by Japanese forces. It is a story of love and anguish between people of different backgrounds – colonial imperialism and the local people who work for them. Their world is about to be turned “head over heels” and will never be the same again and they must come to terms with what is likely to happen. The description of the land and the people caught up in this piece of history are sympathetic and believable. A great read. Really enjoyable. Robyn, NSW, 5 Stars
Sunbirds is a fascinating story that is based on the experiences of the inhabitants of a tea plantation in Java, Indonesia, at the outbreak of WWII. It is a very interesting novel and focuses on experiences that will be new to many readers. Life on the tea plantation is vividly drawn, with evocative imagery and well-researched historical details that recreate colonial life and Javanese culture. Mirandi Riwoe cleverly presents a range of perspectives of the Dutch colonials and their privileged but far from perfect life in the Dutch East Indies, as well as that of the Javanese plantation workers and mixed-race inhabitants who often felt exploited and patronised by the powerful colonisers. She allows the reader to empathise with a wide range of characters and situations but does not attempt to control our viewpoint. Like Anna van Hoorn, on one page we delight in the exotic life of the Dutch family, and on the next page, we are disturbed by the impact and effects of imperialism on the locals and the changes colonialism has brought. Set the the start of 1942, this could have been an examination of the threat of Japanese invasion. Rather, Sunbirds is about the search for identity, of dreams and hopes, of love and loyalty, and the unique conflicts and challenges faced by a range of really different characters. Grab it and read it. It is really enjoyable. Diane, NSW, 5 Stars
A love story set among the rumblings of the Japanese Invasion of Java, following a Dutch Indo family Tea Plantation and the staff who carry out the day-to-day running. Amazingly descriptive of the island beauty, local flora, lifestyle, food and beverages. I loved this book. Anne Maree, QLD, 5 Stars
Sunbirds by Mirandi Riwoe took me through all the emotions throughout this novel. A remarkable storyline that kept me turning the pages right to the end. Couldn’t put it down. Made me sit and ponder a while, thinking about my late family who went to war and the sacrifices everyone made whether on their homeland or not. To this day, the effects of war still carry on. Highly recommend for an emotional rollercoaster you won’t regret! Sheree, NSW, 5 Stars
This book relates the ordinary everyday activities while WWII is raging to the north. Life is as usual. The “upper class” owners and the friends, and the lowly workers who look out for and look after their employers. It is as if there is no war. Then the Japanese start to come closer, after invading Singapore. There are references to evacuation, and the problems that can occur when you are in hostile territory. A very interesting read. Anne, NSW, 4 Stars
This book tackles the sometimes difficult subjects of colonialism and privilege in a sensitive yet believable way. As the Japanese rapidly approach the Dutch family’s seemingly perfect world in Java, lots of cracks appear. The changing loyalties and roles of the characters are described very well, woven into the tropical setting. Although I understood many of the Indonesian terms from holidays spent there, it became tedious to look up the unfamiliar terms. Perhaps a glossary would have helped this. Overall, I enjoyed it immensely and thought the plot was very clever. I will seek out other books by this author. Jane, VIC, 4 Stars
Set in West Java, 1941. The Van Hoorn Family own and operate a Tea Plantation, importing the tea to Holland where they are originally from. They have servants that tend to their every need and employ locals to run and work at the Tea Plantation. I found this to be a story of people finding where they belong, their loyalties, and compromises they had to make. Annette, NSW, 4 Stars
Sunbirds by Mirandi Riwoe is an honest and moving portrayal of wartime Java. I particularly enjoyed the interwoven snippets of Sundanese language which created a greater sense of authenticity. My favourite character was Diah who achieved so much in her lifetime but was very loyal to the family she worked for. Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity to preview this enlightening book. Matilda, QLD, 4 Stars
The language in this novel evokes the rich culture of Java suspended before the impending Japanese attack during World War II – the calm before the storm. Life of the privileged Dutch plantation family is contrasted with life of their workers who are village locals. The simmering undertones of discontent with the Dutch colonial hierarchy are always close to the surface. Anna, the protagonist, struggles with her cultural identity but also her identity as a woman coming of age at a tumultuous time. She is torn between the values and expectations of a country that she has never visited and the reality of life in Java for Indonesians and Indonesian-Chinese or those such as herself of mixed heritage. Loyalties and assumptions change as the story of each character is exposed to the reader, the connection between the characters evolve, and as the story lines are woven more tightly together until the conclusion. The book skilfully invites the reader to consider the themes of colonisation, the role of women, belonging, and displacement within a story of romance and secrets, evocatively placed within historical and cultural contexts. Karin, NSW, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book and was captured with the story from the start. I have read many novels set against the backdrop of World War II but this novel focussed on a specific period within the war and the people at the home front. The novel was really well written to evoke the emotion of waiting… for something to happen, to be invaded, for loved ones to come home. The characters were unique with backgrounds that are not often explored. Through the writing, I was able to feel the climate and envisage the landscape which were integral to becoming part of this story and the characters’ lives. Great example of a historical novel written to feel relevant. Thought-provoking without being judgemental. Moira, VIC, 4 Stars
An evocative novel that brings to life images of a different era. Mandy, VIC, 4 Stars
Set on a Dutch East Indies sugar plantation in West Java in the time leading up to the WW2 Japanese invasion. A story where the characters’ lives are about to be thrown into chaos, and their way of life, love, friendships and alliances challenged. And where nothing will ever be the same again. The lovely writing style gradually increases the tension and sense of foreboding throughout the story – and not just of the impending invasion. It left me pondering the effects of colonialism and the cruel nature of war. The characters are believable and I cared what happened to them, hoping for the best. The only negative for me was being pulled out of the story numerous times to Google a word or expression I didn’t know (my rating would’ve been 5 stars if not for this). A glossary of Dutch and Indonesian words, terms, foods etc. would have been helpful as a quick reference point. Some I could guess at, others not. However, I loved this story and I thoroughly recommend it. A great read. Pamela, QLD, 4 Stars
An enchanting historical fiction novel, delving into identity and what it means to belong. Jessica, QLD, 4 Stars
This novel is an evocative and intricate story of love in an area torn by the war. It shines a light on a part of history I had no idea about. The characters are well-depicted and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed following their story. Marjolaine, WA, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Sunbirds. The story is engaging and provides a delicate balance of both heartwarming and harrowing moments. As a piece of historical fiction it is interesting and engaging, telling a piece of history that many may not be overly familiar with. The novel also speaks volumes to notions of race relations and colonial to post-colonial ideas. The characters are well-rounded and never fall to stereotypes. A beautifully written novel. Penelope, QLD, 4 Stars
With her luminous new novel, Sunbirds, Riwoe launches us straight into a war zone. From here, we’re taken back several months before the Japanese invade West Java, into the lives of the van Hoorn family, the suiter who wishes to propose to their daughter, the daughter struggling to find out where she belongs in the world, the observant housekeeper, and her nationalist brother. In several years, Riwoe has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s most talented writers (I challenge you to read Stone Sky Gold Mountain and not have your heart broken). Sunbirds is a multifaceted historical novel, offering a fresh perspective on WWII and late-stage colonialism. She deftly weaves together several points of view with her usual sensual, evocative language; you can feel the Indonesian heat dripping off each page. Zachary, VIC, 4 Stars
At the beginning I had difficulty with some of the Indonesian words and how to pronounce them. This is a story about the Dutch Van Hoorn family and as the story progressed the difference between the cultures became apparent. The Dutch were the landowners and the indigenous people worked for them. The Japanese were closing in and tensions arose between the two groups. Vivien, ACT, 4 Stars
Sunbirds is the story of intertwined lives in Java in the last few months before the Japanese invasion in early 1942. It focuses on the tensions between and different experiences of the Dutch Colonists, the occupied Javanese and the mixed-race people who are not fully accepted by either group. I found this an interesting read but unfortunately, despite a strong start and excellent ending, it didn’t live up to my expectations. Perhaps because of an overuse of Dutch and Indonesian words, I found many conversations to be stilted, with a superficiality of characters and plot. Despite those criticisms though, I’d recommend this as a mostly engaging novel dealing with a little-explored part of our nearest neighbour’s past. Marlies, VIC, 3 Stars
This is a story of love and war, set in West Java during WWII. It looks at the complicated interrelationships and loyalties that are forced by the imminent arrival of the Japanese. For me, it didn’t quite hit the mark. I found too many terms I didn’t know which interrupted the flow of my reading, and too many characters I really didn’t care for. Karen, VIC, 3 Stars
Set in West Java, the war has started and the Japanese are approaching. The Van Hoorn family own a large tea plantation. A lot of different characters in this book. Diah is a great character but who will be loyal to the family and who will not? Deborah, NSW, 3 Stars
Sunbirds by Mirandi Riwoe has an exciting and descriptive start. Set in Indonesia in 1942 at the start of the war, Anna escapes via seaplane as the Japanese invade. As Anna flies over the Atlantic Ocean she worries about how long it will be until she can return. The story then goes back to before the invasion. I found the ending sad when the themes of racism and moral cowardice were evident. Belinda, QLD, 3 Stars
*Sunbirds* by Mirandi Riwoe is a beautifully written historical novel set on a Dutch East Indies tea plantation just before the Japanese invasion of Java in 1942. It explores themes of identity, love, and loyalty through the lives of characters from different backgrounds, including the Dutch colonial family and their Javanese workers. The book captivates readers with its vivid depiction of place and complex characters, though some found the use of Indonesian and Dutch terms distracting. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking story about colonialism, war, and the sacrifices people make in times of crisis.
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