Daughters of the Wreckage by Stefanie Koens is my favourite kind of novel - a dual‑timeline historical story that immerses me in a time and place I knew little about, while slowly revealing the connection between two compelling characters across the centuries. A particular positive is that it avoids the overused device of “finds a diary and reads a couple of entries before dinner” to move between timelines!

I had never heard of the harrowing true events surrounding the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia, or the coral reefs of the Abrolhos, islands off Western Australia, where she was wrecked almost 400 years ago, before facing further tragedy and death in a mutiny of survivors.

Both female leads, 17th‑century Saskia and 21st‑century Tess, carry painful histories of loss and grief, and both begin the story wary and guarded around their potential romantic counterparts, Aris and Drew.

Saskia’s chapters are narrated in third person, while Tess’s are told in first person. I’m still pondering what the author intended by that choice, perhaps emotional distance, or just the way each woman’s story is meant to be experienced.

While the book ends with unanswered questions, it was exceptionally well researched and written, and extremely satisfying.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m giving this a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This is exactly my favorite kind of novel—a dual-timeline historical story that completely immersed me in a time and place I knew very little about. The plot revolves around the true events of the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia and the Abrolhos islands off Western Australia.

What I loved most was how the connection between the two leads, 17th-century Saskia and 21st-century Tess, was revealed. Both women carry painful histories of loss and grief, making their journeys incredibly compelling. A huge positive for me was that the author avoided the overused "finding a diary" trope to bridge the timelines!

While the book ends with some unanswered questions, it was exceptionally well-researched and satisfying. If you love historical fiction with a side of archaeological mystery and new relationships, this is a must-read.

Fascinated by historical mysteries? Sail over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer to see my top dual-timeline picks!

A dual timeline story, surrounding the first arrivals into the west coast of Australia. Arriving via an east India company ship blown off course, along with mutineers. The survivors had to endure murders, isolation, lack of food, until rescued. The modern timeline follows a father whom had started to track his wife's ancestors being on the ship, and after his death his daughter continuing his research, to finish the connection. Which remained largely unsolved, unless they used modern technology to check DNA of the skeketons found from the wreck .
A great story, albeit some of it fiction, gave a great insight into what happened to the Batavia a ship owned by the east India company.
Enjoyed the stories.

Hope shines in the aftermath of a serious tragedy in this expertly woven historical novel. The story moves along nicely as it shifts between past and present, and the varying POVs work well. Although the novel is a bit long, the dual timeline format mostly justifies it -- except for a few spots where the pacing slows down. The author clearly did her homework here, and thankfully the research details do not get in the way of the narrative. I admire how there are no easy answers; the path toward healing is rocky at times. Nothing is tied up too neatly with a bow. This approach makes the characters resemble real people. The novel ultimately focuses on a message of resilience, which should appeal to many readers.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the approval to read this book.

Daughters of the Wreckage is a beautiful and harrowing historical fiction that intertwines dual timelines of Tess McCarthy in the present and Saskia, a dutch woman in the 17 century; that for both women the Dutch East Indies vessel the Batavia is the heart of everything. And fate, fortune, live and determination echo across time and a shipwrecked vessel can unlock what it means to challenge ourselves in times of uncertainty.

Highly recommended.

NetGalley Review: Daughters of the Wreckage
Daughters of the Wreckage is a haunting, emotionally layered novel about survival—both literal and generational. What begins as a story rooted in catastrophe slowly unfolds into something more intimate: a meditation on inheritance, memory, and the quiet resilience of women who are forced to rebuild from ruin.
The novel centres on a community fractured by tragedy, but its real focus is the daughters, those who must make sense of what was broken before they were old enough to understand it. The author handles the aftermath of disaster with remarkable restraint. Rather than leaning on spectacle, the narrative lingers in the psychological debris: strained relationships, unspoken guilt, inherited grief, and the complicated loyalty that binds families even when love feels threadbare.
The characterization is one of the book’s strongest elements. Each woman feels distinct, flawed, and painfully real. Their coping mechanisms some self-destructive, some fiercely protective—are rendered with empathy rather than judgment. I especially appreciated how the novel resists simple redemption arcs. Healing here is uneven and nonlinear, which makes it feel honest.

Stylistically, the prose is lyrical without being indulgent. There’s a quiet intensity in the writing that mirrors the emotional undercurrents of the story. Flashbacks are woven in seamlessly, revealing how the “wreckage” of the past continues to shape present choices. The pacing is deliberate, but purposeful; this is not a plot-driven thriller, but a character-driven exploration of consequence and survival.

If I had one critique, it’s that some secondary threads feel slightly underdeveloped compared to the central emotional arc. A few side characters seem poised for deeper exploration but ultimately remain peripheral. Still, this doesn’t diminish the overall impact of the novel.

Readers who appreciate intergenerational family dramas, morally complex women, and stories that examine what it means to endure will find much to admire here. Daughters of the Wreckage is less about the disaster itself and more about what comes after—the rebuilding, the reckoning, and the fragile hope that something stronger can rise from the remains.
A thoughtful, affecting read that lingers long after the final page.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Written from three different points of view and two different timelines, it tells a fictional account of the true story of the 1629 shipwreck of the Batavia and subsequent mutiny and horrific massacre. I love learning about lesser-known historical events (although this may be well-known for those from Australia or the Netherlands). Switching between the viewpoints of two fictional passengers pulls you right into the chaos—you're not just reading about the tragedy; you're living it moment by moment as events unfold through their eyes. That immediacy makes the horror feel raw and personal, turning a historical event into something visceral and unforgettable. The third point of view is that of a descendant of one of the survivors who visits the site of the wreckage while researching for an article she is writing and coming to grips with her own tragic loss.
This is a book I will, and HAVE, recommend. I am also hoping to make a book of the month for the book club I run.

Daughters of the Wreckage by Stefanie Koens is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that explores resilience, family bonds, and the lasting impact of the past. Koens weaves together a story that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing you into the lives of her characters with warmth and depth.

The characters are richly developed and deeply human, each navigating their own struggles, secrets, and moments of growth. The relationships—especially those centered around family—are portrayed with nuance and authenticity, adding emotional weight to the story.

What makes this a 5-star read is the storytelling itself. The narrative unfolds with a steady, immersive rhythm, revealing layers of the past in a way that feels both compelling and meaningful. The writing is evocative and heartfelt, making the emotional moments land with real impact.

A powerful, moving novel that lingers long after the final page—perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories filled with depth, heart, and resilience.

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that historical mystery element in a way that worked with the characters and time-period perfectly. I was invested in what was going on and cared about the characters in this world. I enjoyed the time between the generations and was glad all the characters were written in this. Stefanie Koens wrote this well and left me wanting to read more from them.

What an epic journey, both in the fictional and non-fictional storyline. The heartache along with the perseverance of these characters was nothing short of heroic. I was so intrigued by the characters and the history of the shipwreck, that it lead to my own research! I couldn't put it down, I wanted to know more, and wished for a happy ending after all they had endured.

Dual time-line story about a women researching the history of a real-life story of treachery and mutiny that occurred in the 1600s after she under covers a tie to one of the survivors of the tragedy. I liked that the author pointed out the real-life characters before-hand and also included notes outlining the fictional aspects.

sometimes the greatest stories are based on truth … this book was beguiling and drew me in well- some of the moments were horrifying but I found myself cheering on Saskia totally ! thank you to Net Galley and Stephanie Koens and Harper Collin’s publishing for allowing me to read the eArc copy. I will definitely be adding it to my library 📚

Daughters of the Wreckage-A Novel by Stefanie Koens
Review by Shirley W. 3-15-26

There are 400 years of mysteries and questions that link two women. Tess McCarthy, an English teacher in present time, goes to western Australia’s Abrolhos Islands, after her father passes. Tess saw his paperwork on his desk about her mother’s ancestor who died in the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1628. His name is Aris Jansz and Tess is curious.

In 1628, Saskia, an orphaned young Dutchwoman, boards the ship Batavia with relatives-aunt Margareta, her uncle & cousin. The ship is filled with various levels of sailors, soldiers, and travelers. Such a long journey involves various friendships, classes of travelers, rivalry, and long days and nights of boredom on the sailing ship. Saskia and her cousin enjoy exploring the ship. They meet Aris Jansz, an under surgeon to Franz, the master surgeon, who are both on the journey. A blooming friendship is happening between Aris and Saskia.

Unfortunately, the ship is blown onto the shallow reefs at night. Much chaos and fear occurs as people are separated, drown and find a lifeboat to slowly take them to the reef. Not much food or shelter is available. Different factions cause distress and mutiny.

Tess decided to investigate the scientists that work on the reef looking for answers about the survivors. Artifacts are found that give partial answers.

Author, Stefanie Koens’ historic and well documented story unfolds giving each woman equal time explaining how the events might have happened. A very interesting and eye-opening attempts to survive.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel based on facts. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Thank you, Thomas Nelson for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the historical story of this book. Some very interesting facts about WA and the brutality of settling in Australia in the 1600’s. Some parts were hard to read and even harder to imagine but very plausible. The author is very descriptive creating each scene with thought and precision and making it easy to imagine being there in that time and watching the story unfold. Showing how humans can go from being kind humans to unimaginable evil beings. Definitely kept me wondering, where to fro here!

Daughters of the Wreckage completely swept me away! I was hooked from the first chapter and genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Stefanie Koens weaves together two timelines with such confidence and emotional weight: in 2018 we follow Tess as she begins to uncover a long‑buried past, while in 1628 we meet Saskia as she boards the Batavia, setting in motion a story that is as gripping as it is devastating.

I hadn’t realised before reading it that the novel is rooted in real historical events, and that discovery made the experience even more powerful. As soon as I finished, I found myself researching the Batavia shipwreck because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

This is a harrowing story at times, and some moments are genuinely upsetting, but it’s handled with care and purpose. The threads of resilience and survival shine through, and there’s even a touch of romance which adds much needed warmth, without ever overshadowing the darker themes.

I absolutely loved this book and feel very fortunate to have received it as an ARC.

A compelling and unforgettable read. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC.

More than 5 stars for this incredible book! I was captivated by the very first paragraph. This dual timeline story follows two women: Saskia in 1628 and Tess in modern time. The imagery in this book is spectacular! The author uses such descriptive words that bring every setting to life. "The ocean unrolled to the horizon, a dark blue carpet scattered with flecks of sunlight."

Tess is an amazing character! She's searching for information on a long lost relative but in reality she's searching for closure. Saskia is extraordinary! She refuses to be put in a box. Her adventurous nature sometimes gets her into trouble. She's also very compassionate, stubborn and a survivor. Aris is my favorite! He takes his work as an under surgeon seriously. He seems gruff but he has a heart of gold. His life intertwines with both women. He's a relative of Tess's and a significant person in Saskia's life.

There are some disturbing issues in the book. S**ual assault, a shipwreck and horrifying murders. These issues are essential to the story as most of them are facts relating to the atrocities that happened to the passengers aboard the Batavia. The author offers some hope to counter the despair. Many of the characters trust in God and there are quotes from hymns and scripture.

This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it won't be the last! I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

LOVED this book ! This has all feels for someone who really thinks FAMILY. The trials and tribulations of living life catch's the heart strings! Healing and growth !

Two women. One shipwreck. And four centuries of secrets.

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia's remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers--both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.
Clear your schedule once you pick this historical novel up you will not be able to put it down. It is told in two voices; present day and the women who were on the ill fated Batavia maiden voyage., I have heard of the Batavia before, but after reading this book, I went down a rabbit hole.

Clear your schedule once you pick this historical novel up you will not be able to put it down. It is told in two voices; present day and the women who were on the ill fated Batavia maiden voyage.
Tess is trying to figure out her path forward after the unexpected death of her father. He was working on an article tracing his wife's ancestor who survived the shipwreck of the Batavia. Tess decides to complete the article and heads to the islands where the shipwreck occurred.
The story of the Batavia shipwreck and the mutiny that occurred was so engrossing that I looked up the history and was horrified to learn that this story was true.
Faith, perseverance, survival and hope are interwoven into this wonderful story.

I devoured this book, I have heard of the Batavia before, but after reading this book, I went down a rabbit hole. The accuracy was great, the characters felt so real, I truly felt like I bonded with them. When I finished it, I felt like I lost a few new friends. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

With the death of her father, Tess is at loose end. At his death, her father was researching a man by the name of Aris Jansz. In 1626, Saskia is headed to Australia to start a new life. She is traveling by ship to Australia, Aric Jansz is the doctor on board ship. Tess uncovers the history of the past, and the past and the present merge in the answer to the past questions. An enjoyable read. I received an ARC copy through Netgalley, my opinions are my own, I did not have to leave a positive review.

"And I found out that one's wants make a powerful master."
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‎But what if who we want will never be here?
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‎Grief is a powerful pain, but what we miss is that we can grieve life while living people we've never met, even versions of ourselves.
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‎This book was powerful not only through the rebirth of history, giving Batavia another life in another frame, but in its exploration of grief. We see all the characters experience different types of it, and some bond over their shared pains.
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‎We see Tess, once a teacher, now in her own choice to be her father's daughter continuing a history article, the last piece of a life she'll never have again. Through mud cakes, tears, laughs, and cries, Tess's life was never the same. Saskia, in a way, was the same. It was time repeating itself. Both of these incredible women were strong, kind, and most importantly resilient. Each in their own version: Tess up and left to continue finding meaning in life; Saskia kept moving forward without losing who she was. Through the wreckage of Batavia or the life they knew, they kept moving; perfectly? Never. But as humans. The events in reaction were one way we see them connect through the ages.
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‎But this book wasn't solely about grief. It carried a great amount of it, yes, but it was also about love, change, and most importantly: hope.
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‎Master Franz and Aunt Margareta were not only authority figures but, in a way, a bridge of continuity offering a shaky hand in a fragile world. They both protected Aris and Saskia, maybe not perfectly, but they did their best.
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‎We see the horror of Batavia's reality the gruesome facts and crimes that have turned into simple history in our time. But that wasn't the only asset that made me genuinely love this novel. The representation of God specifically as an anchor rather than an upper hand to control, or a miracle in the making, were among the elements that shaped the reader's experience.
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‎The plot unraveling of their survival and the character growth were intricately woven. I especially liked the duality of POV from Tess, Saskia, and Aris. The author managed to weave the past into the present in a way that foreshadow the future as it unravels.
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‎Saskia was a powerful young woman. She remained a surgeon's daughter whose heart beats for helping people thrive, because everyone deserves a chance. Her story wasn't just with Aris. In fact, I admire that we never get to know. It's like history chose to give them privacy from prying eyes due to their sacred love. But we see her grow and learn not only to survive death but to speak up. The moment she met all her friends was her choice to engage, to help, to see and connect even with her aunt's direction and warnings of danger, she didn't cut ties. Maybe Aunt Margareta didn't mean to protect her only from physical harm and monstrous thoughts and actions. On some level, I would like to believe she tried to protect her heart too, even from herself.
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‎Drew and Aris were different in so many ways, but what joined them both was patience, love, and care to provide. Aris maybe was at first just a surgeon's apprentice, but at the end he came out of Batavia a master, a survivor, but most importantly a man of God. We see the importance and value of God's word and wisdom. God was never supposed to be a cure for problems, but a constant in the midst of change and unpredictability, and through it all Aris might have questioned it, but deep down he believed in it just as much he believed that he couldn't be the one to take a life away when he worked to giving it.
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‎It was genuinely a book you can never stop talking about, and honestly it deserves every thought. The more you think about any element or any event, a million new appreciations come to mind. It's a book for those who admire the past, live the moment, and create their own future. The elements of this book are wholeheartedly unique from the pendant and tulip to the Forgotten S. And not forgetting to mention the ethical question about the morality of disturbing the dead in hopes of finding consent. As Katherine said, they still deserve to be heard, because even if time made their suffering history, it remains a crime and their voices deserve to be heard.
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‎I would personally really encourage you to read it, not only for the representation of women and Batavia or even the plot, but because in some way it created new questions in my mind. It truly carries you on a shaft through multiple horrifying facts and crimes, but gives you hope and makes you realize how many strong people exist not only in crazy circumstances, but in everyday life.
‎I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
‎Happy reading ◉‿◉