In My Grandfather's House

Actually the title of this book in Dutch is: "Along the garden path of my forefathers" ! and this book is probably the best!! It tells a story, in word, and much more in picture, how people lived (Rien's ancestors) in the Netherlands during the last three centuries. The illustrations are superb, beautiful, done with a great sensitivity that portrays accurately how people were living in these times: their home life, work, school, their times in distress, death, sickness, as well as the more joyfull days; it shows what clothes they wore, the interiors of their dwellings, the furniture they had, utensils, tools, the trades the men had, how children amused themselves. The faces of the people, children included, their bodies, actions, are depicted with such naturalness,that the book becomes alive and one can read the emotions of life on their faces which will touch you deeply. The artwork was done in gouache, watercolour, maybe an oil here or there, charcoal and pencil. The artwork is truly beautiful and delightful but depicting the truth of those times.

Once upon a time I stumbled across this book in a book store and could not believe my eyes. This is absolutely one of the most beautiful books I've ever owned and it is totally relevant to my life. I am Dutch descent and some of my ancestors come from Zeeland, and Poortvliet focuses on life in Zeeland over a two hundred year period, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover a beautifully illustrated book by a Dutch artist whose ancestors came from a village not far from my own. Poortvliet tells his story with illustrations. There is little text, and it is mostly captions for his illustrations. He begins his book with his own father's life, and moves back through time telling about his grandfather's life, then his great-grandfather's life, then his great-great grandfather's story in pictures. Only an artist could vividly bring the past to life in this manner. If you are of Dutch descent, you must see this book. At the least check it out of the library, but I think you may want to own it. I am sad to see that it is out of print because next to the geneology chart on your family, this is the best way to get in touch with the lives of your Dutch ancestors.