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I HAVE ENJOYED staying in touch with Marina during the writing of The Golden Lotus Necklace, and to witness, from the sidelines, the steady shaping of a story that clearly carries deep personal meaning. What stands out to me is the care with which this world has been built, and the confidence of a writer who has faith in her material and trusts her reader to discover its subtleties for themselves. This is a novel that moves between past and present with ease. In one moment, we are immersed in richly detailed historical settings, kitchens warmed by a morning stove in Groningen, or the ordered elegance of colonial Malang, and in the next, we are alongside Honor in contemporary New Zealand, engaging in everyday conversations. The transitions feel unforced, as though the past is never truly past, just waiting to be discovered.

What is particularly striking is Marina’s eye for detail. Small but precise observations, whether it’s the ritual of a family breakfast, the etiquette of a business exchange, or the flow of a conversation with a travel agent that anchor the narrative and give it authenticity. There is a conversational quality to the present-day voice that feels natural and recognisable, while the historical narrative is more balanced and reflective. Together, they create a sense of continuity across the generations. At its heart, this is a story about history, family, and feelings. It explores identity and belonging without overcomplicating things. It tells that story in a clear and honest way. The Golden Lotus Necklace is a thoughtful exploration of how lives, separated by time and circumstance, can remain powerfully connected.

Doug Gold, author of Saving Elli

Contact Marina de Vries (Shearer)

Phone: +64 027 591 6555

Email: MarinadeVriesNZ@gmail.com