Review of Maaijke

RJ Reviews · Post by **RJ Reviews** » 04 Jul 2024, 05:55

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Maaijke" by Thomas J. Vander Salm.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Maaijke, who was born in a Dutch village in the early 1800s, led a modest and unremarkable life. Being the youngest of all the siblings, her only companion was her vivid imagination, and harnessing that gift enabled her to travel to many places. She remained invisible to the others while she traveled through place and time. When she turned sixteen, she was compelled to marry Bertus Maasen, a man in his forties. Heartbroken and disappointed by her husband's lack of interest in intimacy, she started traveling through time again, this time choosing to go to Spakenburg in the year 1971. Suddenly, everything about her travel changed, and she could interact with the people there. It was then that she met Peter Massen. Astounded by their identical surnames, she lied about her true identity. The connection between them, however, was instantaneous, and they fell in love. Will their love survive their unique circumstances? Will Peter find out her true identity? Why do they have the same surname? Read Maaijke by Thomas J. Vander Salm to find out the fate of this odd couple.

This book is a page-turner. The dual first-person POV style drives the plot forward smoothly as we get to know both Maaijke and Peter's lives. Throughout the narrative, the author shows the contrast in lifestyle between the 1800s and 1900s. The mention of several important historical events and milestones adds authenticity to the story. Peter is a likeable character. His insecurities stem from always being compared to his great-grandfather Pieter, who moved to the United States from Spakenburg in the mid-nineteenth century. Despite that, his determination to prove himself worthy is admirable. Maaijke, on the other hand, is a passionate and resilient woman. She is both curious and stubborn. Other characters also contribute to the development of the plot. Strong, relatable, diverse, and intriguing characters are the strongest aspects of this book.

This book touches on the themes of unconditional love, resilience, family bonding, and grief with a tinge of fantasy. The romance between Maaijke and Peter is the backbone of this story. But the unbreakable bonds between family members also play an important role. Every chapter is marked with the years and POV person's names, making it possible to keep track of the timelines. Several interesting twists keep readers invested. The brisk writing style and attention to detail make the book an enjoyable read.

There is nothing I dislike about this book. Although I noted a few minor errors, they didn't hamper my reading experience. I must gladly admit that the final chapters kept me guessing the climax till the very end. For its eloquent writing style, brisk pacing, relatable characters, and surprising twists, I rate this book 5 out of 5.

I would recommend this book to older teenagers and adults, as a certain level of maturity is required to fully grasp the concept of the book. This book will appeal to both romance and fantasy lovers.

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Maaijke
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Kritika Mandal · Post by **Kritika Mandal** » 10 Jul 2024, 14:29

Maajike is an enchanting tale that weaves magic, mystery, and heartwarming moments into a spellbinding narrative. From the first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined world filled with captivating characters and vivid settings. The author's skillful storytelling keeps you hooked, with each chapter unveiling new surprises and deepening the intrigue.The protagonist's journey is both relatable and extraordinary, as they navigate a world where the line between reality and magic blurs. The character development is nuanced, allowing readers to connect deeply with the struggles, triumphs, and growth of the main characters.

Sandre Lamar · Post by **Sandre Lamar** » 10 Jul 2024, 15:08

"Maaijke" by Thomas J. Vander Salm captivates with its unique blend of time travel, romance, and historical contrasts. The strong character development makes it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Post by **Dana Lawrence Lohn** » 10 Jul 2024, 20:56

Dual first-person POV can be difficult to pull off, but sounds like this book did a magical job with it! I was worried in reading your review that Maaijke would experience a Back to the Future-like thing where she realized Peter was her great-great-grandson or something, but it sounds like that was not the case? I may read it to find out! Great review, RJ.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 10 Jul 2024, 21:37

It will be interesting to see how Maaijke adapts her mindset from the 1800s to the late 1900s. I am curious about the development of her relationship with Peter. The mystery surrounding their relationship intrigues me. You certainly did not create any spoilers. I am always keen to read about historical events, and this book will not disappoint. Your rating of 5 out of 5 stars has convinced me to add this book to my bookshelves. Thank you for this great review!

Post by **Anu Anand** » 10 Jul 2024, 22:58

I'm curious to know why they share the same surname. The way you described the book makes it sound so intriguing and heartfelt. The mix of time travel and romance, along with the historical details, really draws me in. Thank you for this wonderful review, I'll definitely be reading this book!

_Rhea Jacob · Post by **_Rhea Jacob** » 11 Jul 2024, 01:19

It sounds like a wonderful fantasy romance book. I love the concept of time travel and your review of the book makes me excited to read it. Thank you for your detailed review!

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 11 Jul 2024, 04:54

How wild are your imaginations? How weird can your dreams be? Well, for Maaijke, they are very wild and for someone like her to marry a forty years old man who was uninterested in such creative discussions, she had to use her imagination to go away. You did a good job writing this review. Good review like always.

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 11 Jul 2024, 17:31

OK, now this book has an intriguing premise. I wonder what would happen once the truth is revealed. Or will it ever be revealed? Your review was enticing. I enjoyed reading every word of it. Kudos to you.

Martin Shae · Post by **Martin Shae** » 12 Jul 2024, 07:05

"Maaijke": A captivating blend of love, time-travel, and hidden identities in historical and modern settings.

Post by **Julie Marie Basil** » 12 Jul 2024, 10:16

This sounds like a very engaging and interesting story. I appreciate the thoroughness and enthusiasm of your review. Keep up the good work!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 15 Jul 2024, 04:18

Love stories that transcend time are favourites of mine so I'm adding this to my list right now. Thanks for the awesome review as always.

Post by **Slippy Spectrum** » 15 Jul 2024, 07:34

Wow, this book "Maaijke" sounds like a captivating read! I love how it combines elements of romance and fantasy while exploring themes of love, resilience, and family bonds. It's intriguing how Maaijke's ability to travel through time and her connection with Peter Massen adds a unique twist to the story. The relatable and diverse characters, along with the brisk pace and surprising twists, make me want to dive into this book right away. Based on the review, I would definitely give it a rating of 5 out of 5. Can't wait to get my hands on "Maaijke" and uncover the mysteries within! Dynamic character dynamics, felt authentic and nuanced.

DEVIKA R NAIR · Post by **DEVIKA R NAIR** » 15 Jul 2024, 23:43

The blend of historical settings, dual perspectives, and a touch of fantasy sounds like a compelling read. I appreciate how you highlighted the strong character development and engaging plot twists. It's clear this book offers a rich exploration of love, resilience, and family bonds. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on such an intriguing story!