About
Patricia Snel gives a lecture about her new book De wees van Westerbeek at Bibliotheek Veenendaal in Veenendaal on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 19:30. The event is part of Heel Nederland Leest.
What to expect
Patricia Snel gives a lecture about her new book De wees van Westerbeek during Heel Nederland Leest.
- She discusses the Koloniën van Weldadigheid.
- She explains how the maatschappij started.
- She discusses the situation in the Netherlands.
- She shows images from her historical research.
FAQ
What is the lecture about?
Patricia Snel gives a lecture about her new book De wees van Westerbeek during Heel Nederland Leest.
She discusses the Koloniën van Weldadigheid.
She explains how the maatschappij van Weldadigheid started.
She discusses the situation in the Netherlands.
She shows images from her historical research.
What is the book about?
The novel is set in Frederiksoord in 1818 and is based on facts.
It follows 17-year-old Riekje, who arrives with her mother.
They come to a newly opened colonist village.
Riekje hopes for a better life, but reality is harsh.
Colonists face heavy labor, food shortages and strict rules.
Discontent grows among the colonists.
Riekje befriends eccentric orphan girl Geeske, who relies on a special gift.
Riekje makes a shocking discovery.
The two girls make a plan that changes their future forever.
They must decide whether to choose freedom.
Who is Patricia Snel?
Patricia Snel (1967) studied Italian language/literature and art history in Leiden.
Writer, storyteller, editor, teacher, writing coach.
Bestseller De Expat; several successful novels.
Radio/TV: Koffietijd, Tijd voor MAX, WNL.
2022: found true story of Amsterdam orphan Karel Moller in child colony Veenhuizen.
His account inspired De vondeling van Veenhuizen, one of the best-selling books of 2024.
De wees van Westerbeek: two women fighting for freedom.
Both novels link UNESCO World Heritage villages Veenhuizen and Frederiksoord with fact-based stories.
One in sixteen Dutch people has ancestors from the Colonies.
Getting there
Bibliotheek Veenendaal (in De Cultuurfabriek), Kees Stipplein 74, 3901 TP Veenendaal, Utrecht, NL
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