On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Hendrika de Vries discusses her moving and reflective new memoir, “Open Turns” (She Writes Press, September 2, 2025).
From surviving Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as a child to navigating immigration and competitive swimming in 1950s Australia, Hendrika shares her remarkable coming-of-age story of survival, strength, and self-discovery. As a teenager determined to shape her own identity in a world that tried to confine her, she dives—again and again—into life’s open turns with courage and clarity.
Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Hendrika unpacks how intention and resilience helped her transform trauma into triumph. She also discusses how personal narratives serve as vital historical testimony and how writing can empower future generations to face change with hope and purpose.
More at: https://www.agirlfromamsterdam.com/
🔑 Takeaways - Immigration involves both loss and transformation. - The silent generation offers a legacy of strength through adversity. - Women’s stories are often shaped by resistance and resilience. - Personal storytelling preserves overlooked histories. - Legacy is created through voice and visibility.
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