The Dutch Wife

Thomas Vanderlinden's mother shared her life with two men, both called Rowland Vanderlinden. The first went abroad and never returned. The second Rowland, a man whom she accepted unquestioningly as her husband, was a mystery. Who was he? And what happened to the first Rowland? Determined to uncover the secrets of both men, Thomas sets off in search of the first Rowland, eventually tracking him down on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The first Rowland tells Thomas of his many adventures, his visit to the great Monastery of Masalketse, his time as librarian for the Maharajah of Bakhstan and his meeting with the Director of the Institute for the Lost and Thomas soon grows to respect him. He also learns the identity of the other Rowland Vanderlinden, a man with whom his mother lived happily for many years, although he was utterly unlike the man he impersonated. THE DUTCH WIFE, while fascinating and perverse, is also a portrait of one woman and the impenetrable choices she makes; a study of the relations between parents and children; an exploration of the concept of redemption; a paean to diversity; and a profound meditation on the nature of love. It is a bewitching and exotic tale of love, loss and identity from the critically acclaimed author of FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN.


Genre: Mystery