literary works
Coming Soon!
My new book, Authentically and Unapologetically Indo, is a collection of essays that offer a heartfelt celebration of our Indo heritage—a Dutch Eurasian culture formed through the blending of peoples during the time of the Dutch East Indies.
Told with honesty, humor, and pride, it’s a declaration of who we truly are: Indos (Indische Nederlanders).
Not just “mixed,” not “Dutch with Asian” or “Asian with Dutch”—but unapologetically Indo.
This book goes beyond pain. I explore the aspects of our lives we often took for granted growing up in Indo immigrant families—things I overlooked as a child and now deeply cherish. It brings readers to the other side: the warmth, the love.
Yes, there’s history. But it’s shared with enlightenment and inspiration.
In a world where Indo stories are rarely told in English, this book proudly claims space—naming us for who we are: Indos.
This is our story.
The story of our people.
Work of Literary Fiction Inspired by True Events
An Indo – Canadian Immigrant Story
The Indo Under the Maple Tree is a poignant literary fiction narrated by David, a fictional character whose life reflects the experience of an Indo (Indische Nederlander) immigrant family. Set in Canada during the 1970s–90s, David’s story is shaped by the intergenerational trauma inherited from his parents, who survived the horrors of World War II, the Bersiap Period, and displacement from the former Dutch East Indies.
In the multicultural landscape of Canada, David embraces his Indo heritage with pride, celebrating traditions like Pasar Malams, Sinterklaas, and backyard satay, while navigating the complexities of life in a new land. His visits to the Netherlands deepen his connection to his roots, unveiling both the pride and struggles of his family’s history.
A rare English-language exploration of the Indo immigrant experience, The Indo Under the Maple Tree is a heartfelt tale of cultural preservation, intergenerational healing, and the enduring power of culture.