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Pelsaert's Nightmare
In the antipodean winter of 1629, the Dutch East Indiaman 'Batavia' was wrecked on the desolate cays of the Houtman Abrolhos, an island chain lying beyond the sea horizon of what is now Western Australia. One year later her merchant commander, Francisco Pelsaert, lies dying in a mildewed room outside the walls of Batavia Castle (modern-day Jakarta), the stigma of shipwreck and bloody mutiny foreclosing on his legacy. With only a servant-carer and the occasional visitor to relieve his solitude, he passes the hours in haunted reflection of events which have shaped his life. From the Netherlands and its colonial outposts to Mogul India and the coastal wildernesses of the Great South Land, Pelsaert's tale is one of many parts and places, of exotic encounter and shrouded pleasure to unnerving dreams and thwarted certainties. Ultimately, 'Pelsaert's Nightmare' is a journey in the quest for redemption. The manuscript was shortlisted for the inaugural 2016 First Novel Prize in the United Kingdom and was a First Place Category Winner in the 2018 Chaucer Book Awards for Pre-1750s Historical Fiction.
490 pages, Paperback
Published March 27, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via The History Quill Book Club.
Fascinating true events told in a very personal way from Pelsaert's point of view. The story unfolds bit by bit as Francisco Pelsaert lies on his death bed haunted continually by ghosts and events from his past. These ghosts, some welcome and some not, help flesh out the story of what happened.
The tone is feverish and visceral, capturing the cruel climate and the sickness that haunts those not born to endure it. The nightmare is of Pelsaert's own making, emanating from guilty secrets and the cruelty and deceit of those he encounters on that fateful voyage of the Batavia. His nightmare is tangled up with his life in India, his meeting with the Jesuit Missionaries and the Rulers of the Indian states. The author captures the beauty and corruption of these amazing empires, each with their own agendas hidden or otherwise.
I was moved by this story to investigate the real Francisco Pelsaert, to check the facts on his fateful journey which ended in shipwreck, mutiny, cruelty, murder and mayhem. I was surprised at how the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) were as conniving, venal and lacking in morality as the East India Company in Britain, European traders have a lot to answer for!
I would urge anyone who is about to read this book to take the time to Google Francisco Pelsaert and the Batavia first to acquaint yourself of the true facts.
This story is a beautiful example of how a skilful writer can weave a tapestry of fiction and facts together successfully.
Fascinating true events told in a very personal way from Pelsaert's point of view. The story unfolds bit by bit as Francisco Pelsaert lies on his death bed haunted continually by ghosts and events from his past. These ghosts, some welcome and some not, help flesh out the story of what happened.
The tone is feverish and visceral, capturing the cruel climate and the sickness that haunts those not born to endure it. The nightmare is of Pelsaert's own making, emanating from guilty secrets and the cruelty and deceit of those he encounters on that fateful voyage of the Batavia. His nightmare is tangled up with his life in India, his meeting with the Jesuit Missionaries and the Rulers of the Indian states. The author captures the beauty and corruption of these amazing empires, each with their own agendas hidden or otherwise.
I was moved by this story to investigate the real Francisco Pelsaert, to check the facts on his fateful journey which ended in shipwreck, mutiny, cruelty, murder and mayhem. I was surprised at how the VOC (the Dutch East India Company) were as conniving, venal and lacking in morality as the East India Company in Britain, European traders have a lot to answer for!
I would urge anyone who is about to read this book to take the time to Google Francisco Pelsaert and the Batavia first to acquaint yourself of the true facts.
This story is a beautiful example of how a skilful writer can weave a tapestry of fiction and facts together successfully.
February 10, 2021
For anyone who loves maritime history and historical fiction, Pelsaert’s Nightmare is a must read. While there have been other books written about the Batavia, Greg Hansen’s novel is written from the perspective of Pelsaert drawing on the narrative of the ship’s unfortunate captain. The book provides a detailed and fascinating insight into the characters involved in the mutiny on the Batavia. This reflects the author’s extensive research, including personal visits to the sites of the maritime tragedy and to the relevant archives in the Netherlands. It also reflects Hansen’s empathy and considerable skill in writing this fascinating story. Like!
February 8, 2021
I found this an excellent read and having been a reader of history for so long (not so much a Novel reader) you don't often really “get into the heads” of the characters – I found this really interesting because having read a few books on this historical event I found myself looking at the same incident from inside Palsaerts mind so it becomes a bit more personal – well that’s how I am saw it anyway.
September 14, 2020
This is a wonderful book, rich in the language that invokes the vernacular of the 17th century. It is a beautifully written story that is informative about an historical time, a love story, a dialogue with ghosts and a stream of consciousness of a man, blighted by a simple twist of fate, reflecting back on his life. Well worth a read.
November 5, 2020
This was a joy to read! The non-linear narrative was an excellent way to tell this fascinating story and the author has done a wonderful job of capturing the time in which Pelsaert lived and locations he explored. I highly recommend this book.
February 20, 2021
Pelseart’s Nightmare by Gregory Warwick Hansen is a story with good bones. By that I mean, the story is about the ship Batavia owned by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Her journey, wreck, and aftermath in 1629 are historically compelling events that make for a fantastic story on their own. Then add in the fiction part of this historical fiction novel and those factual events come alive as our author's vision presents the finer detail of the humanity of the story that is often lost in a history book.
The story begins as the Batavia, crown of the VOC fleet, embarks on her maiden voyage with a small fleet from Holland to the company settlement of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). The voyage is not without drama. Francisco Pelsaert is the highest-ranking company employee and thus considered the commander of the fleet. Ariaen Jacobsz is the captain of the Batavia and Jeronimus Cornelisz is Pelsearts ambitious lieutenant. The three are not entirely trusting of one another. I found it interesting that even back so long ago corporate life was much the same as it is today. Everyone wants to impress the home office, ambitious underlings always looking to move up the ladder, while all energies are fully dedicated to making a profit. Also, on the voyage, there is some bad behavior by the crew.
After the wreck, Pelseart incredibly sails 1,900 miles to Batavia in a 30-foot long boat with a small crew. The rest of the survivors remain behind on a small island where a scene similar to William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” but on steroids occurs. Pelsaert returns to rescue those left behind on a company ship from Batavia and learns of the atrocities that had occurred. The survivors are brought back to Batavia and the malicious scoundrels are dealt with by the authorities. Pelsaert becomes sick with some type of jungle fever which is true, then our author adds the humanity of what might have been going through his mind as he lay delirious. Because I had never heard of the wreck of the Batavia before embarking on this novel I became confused as to Pelsaert’s delusions vs. the actual events. Then I Googled the wreck of the Batavia and it all became clear. I advise any interested readers who have never heard of the wreck and the aftermath to Google it first so Mr. Hansen’s vision is clear to you and the story is easy to follow.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to all interested readers.
The story begins as the Batavia, crown of the VOC fleet, embarks on her maiden voyage with a small fleet from Holland to the company settlement of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). The voyage is not without drama. Francisco Pelsaert is the highest-ranking company employee and thus considered the commander of the fleet. Ariaen Jacobsz is the captain of the Batavia and Jeronimus Cornelisz is Pelsearts ambitious lieutenant. The three are not entirely trusting of one another. I found it interesting that even back so long ago corporate life was much the same as it is today. Everyone wants to impress the home office, ambitious underlings always looking to move up the ladder, while all energies are fully dedicated to making a profit. Also, on the voyage, there is some bad behavior by the crew.
After the wreck, Pelseart incredibly sails 1,900 miles to Batavia in a 30-foot long boat with a small crew. The rest of the survivors remain behind on a small island where a scene similar to William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” but on steroids occurs. Pelsaert returns to rescue those left behind on a company ship from Batavia and learns of the atrocities that had occurred. The survivors are brought back to Batavia and the malicious scoundrels are dealt with by the authorities. Pelsaert becomes sick with some type of jungle fever which is true, then our author adds the humanity of what might have been going through his mind as he lay delirious. Because I had never heard of the wreck of the Batavia before embarking on this novel I became confused as to Pelsaert’s delusions vs. the actual events. Then I Googled the wreck of the Batavia and it all became clear. I advise any interested readers who have never heard of the wreck and the aftermath to Google it first so Mr. Hansen’s vision is clear to you and the story is easy to follow.
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to all interested readers.
July 12, 2022
This imaginative take on the historical novel is written in first-person and told through the lens of memory, but with a twist -- the narrator, Francisco Pelsaert, speaks not only from memory, but through the haze of fever as he lies dying. The story is revealed through his feverish delusions, his somewhat more lucid times of contemplation, and conversations with visitors. The author gets right into the mind of Pelsaert as he recalls events from his past, including the unfortunate shipwreck of the Batavia on a desolate island.
The Batavia, a merchant vessel of the Dutch East India Company, is shipwrecked in 1629, and Pelsaert, the ship's commander realizing the dangerous situation the passengers and crew face on the small island which has no fresh water source, opts to travel the roughly 1850 miles to Batavia in order to stage a rescue. However, the man left in charge, Cornelisz, takes control of the survivors by confiscating food, weapons, and anything of use. In the end he and his henchmen murder 125 men, women, and children. When Pelsaert returned to rescue the survivors, he saw to the punishment of the offenders.
But Pelsaert's feverish nightmares don't only concern this most disturbing incident in his past, but events from his childhood, his romantic endeavors, and other memories from his past. Though at times the book may be a bit difficult to follow, as Pelsaert's memories come to him in a non-linear way which can be confusing. However, it is a read worth the effort. An ingenious look at the author's imaginings of what might have gone on in the mind of Pelsaert.
The Batavia, a merchant vessel of the Dutch East India Company, is shipwrecked in 1629, and Pelsaert, the ship's commander realizing the dangerous situation the passengers and crew face on the small island which has no fresh water source, opts to travel the roughly 1850 miles to Batavia in order to stage a rescue. However, the man left in charge, Cornelisz, takes control of the survivors by confiscating food, weapons, and anything of use. In the end he and his henchmen murder 125 men, women, and children. When Pelsaert returned to rescue the survivors, he saw to the punishment of the offenders.
But Pelsaert's feverish nightmares don't only concern this most disturbing incident in his past, but events from his childhood, his romantic endeavors, and other memories from his past. Though at times the book may be a bit difficult to follow, as Pelsaert's memories come to him in a non-linear way which can be confusing. However, it is a read worth the effort. An ingenious look at the author's imaginings of what might have gone on in the mind of Pelsaert.
June 29, 2022
I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction novels that are so deeply enriched with facts that it gives you a while history lesson and you didn't even know it. The drama and decision making displayed in the book kept me on my toes that I had to read the book in one sitting, took me over four hours but, it was well worth it. I applaud Greg Hansen for the extensive research and details historic landscape of the Batavia and their overbearing captain. The imagery, language use, and concept execution were brilliantly disturbing that it worked for the book. However, I do not recommend reading the book before bed unless you like terrifying, disturbing stories of the morbid life of Francisco Pelsaert before you close your eyes and sleep. The combination of interweaving a fictional story and facts was brilliantly done that I applaud the job of Greg Hansen.
A prime example of a marvelous relationship between a fictional story and facts of history. This book is deserving of 5 stars.
A prime example of a marvelous relationship between a fictional story and facts of history. This book is deserving of 5 stars.
February 14, 2021
History recognises Francisco Pelsaert as Commander of the Batavia, a ship that became wrecked on the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia in 1629. But Pelsaert’s Nightmare, by Gregory Warwick Hansen, shows he was much more than just a seafaring employee of the mighty Dutch East India Company. Based on his writings – both his shipwreck journal and observations of Mogul India where he lived for a number of years – this comprehensive novel delves far into Pelsaert’s mind and heart, bringing to life the world in which this tragedy and its horrific aftermath took place.
The Batavia was a ship carrying over 300 passengers that set out from Holland in 1628, headed for the Dutch colony of Jakarta (then known as Batavia, also). Months later it inexplicably sailed off course and was wrecked on a coral reef 60 kilometres from the Australian coast. With hundreds of survivors making it to shore and no hope of rescue, Pelsaert undertook an epic journey in a long boat to Jakarta, seeking help. When he returned three months later, it was to face a horrific reality. Under the guardianship of Jeronimus Cornelisz, Pelsaert’s company lieutenant during the ill-fated voyage, discipline had collapsed and mayhem had ensued.
This novel is a multifaceted portrait of Pelsaert, a flawed man who mentally relives and defines the past as he lies dying in a shabby room outside the walls of Batavia Castle, and the pitiless yet fascinating times in which he lived. It is a penetrating study with a strong narrative voice that takes the reader through history and across time to discover what lay behind the disaster and its aftermath in which more than 100 men, women and children were brutally murdered.
Pelsaert’s narrative voice is a continuum that haunts the novel, explicating the politics of the day and scene setting for the events that lay ahead. Creating suspense and an engaging sense of space and time, Pelsaert’s Nightmare does not spare the reader from graphic details. It is compelling and repellent at the same time as it seeks to tell the story through the lens of politics and power.
Throughout the book, its ending has always been evident. From the time we first meet Pelsaert, we realise that this is a man with regrets who is negotiating with the past and seeking atonement.
This excellent historical novel is large in scope and perceptive in detail, with language that is faithful to its time yet accessible to us today. Highly recommended.
Merged review:
History recognises Francisco Pelsaert as Commander of the Batavia, a ship that became wrecked on the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia in 1629. But Pelsaert’s Nightmare, by Gregory Warwick Hansen, shows he was much more than just a seafaring employee of the mighty Dutch East India Company. Based on his writings – both his shipwreck journal and observations of Mogul India where he lived for a number of years – this comprehensive novel delves far into Pelsaert’s mind and heart, bringing to life the world in which this tragedy and its horrific aftermath took place.
The Batavia was a ship carrying over 300 passengers that set out from Holland in 1628, headed for the Dutch colony of Jakarta (then known as Batavia, also). Months later it inexplicably sailed off course and was wrecked on a coral reef 60 kilometres from the Australian coast. With hundreds of survivors making it to shore and no hope of rescue, Pelsaert undertook an epic journey in a long boat to Jakarta, seeking help. When he returned three months later, it was to face a horrific reality. Under the guardianship of Jeronimus Cornelisz, Pelsaert’s company lieutenant during the ill-fated voyage, discipline had collapsed and mayhem had ensued.
This novel is a multifaceted portrait of Pelsaert, a flawed man who mentally relives and defines the past as he lies dying in a shabby room outside the walls of Batavia Castle, and the pitiless yet fascinating times in which he lived. It is a penetrating study with a strong narrative voice that takes the reader through history and across time to discover what lay behind the disaster and its aftermath in which more than 100 men, women and children were brutally murdered.
Pelsaert’s narrative voice is a continuum that haunts the novel, explicating the politics of the day and scene setting for the events that lay ahead. Creating suspense and an engaging sense of space and time, Pelsaert’s Nightmare does not spare the reader from graphic details. It is compelling and repellent at the same time as it seeks to tell the story through the lens of politics and power.
Throughout the book, its ending has always been evident. From the time we first meet Pelsaert, we realise that this is a man with regrets who is negotiating with the past and seeking atonement.
This excellent historical novel is large in scope and perceptive in detail, with language that is faithful to its time yet accessible to us today. Highly recommended.
The Batavia was a ship carrying over 300 passengers that set out from Holland in 1628, headed for the Dutch colony of Jakarta (then known as Batavia, also). Months later it inexplicably sailed off course and was wrecked on a coral reef 60 kilometres from the Australian coast. With hundreds of survivors making it to shore and no hope of rescue, Pelsaert undertook an epic journey in a long boat to Jakarta, seeking help. When he returned three months later, it was to face a horrific reality. Under the guardianship of Jeronimus Cornelisz, Pelsaert’s company lieutenant during the ill-fated voyage, discipline had collapsed and mayhem had ensued.
This novel is a multifaceted portrait of Pelsaert, a flawed man who mentally relives and defines the past as he lies dying in a shabby room outside the walls of Batavia Castle, and the pitiless yet fascinating times in which he lived. It is a penetrating study with a strong narrative voice that takes the reader through history and across time to discover what lay behind the disaster and its aftermath in which more than 100 men, women and children were brutally murdered.
Pelsaert’s narrative voice is a continuum that haunts the novel, explicating the politics of the day and scene setting for the events that lay ahead. Creating suspense and an engaging sense of space and time, Pelsaert’s Nightmare does not spare the reader from graphic details. It is compelling and repellent at the same time as it seeks to tell the story through the lens of politics and power.
Throughout the book, its ending has always been evident. From the time we first meet Pelsaert, we realise that this is a man with regrets who is negotiating with the past and seeking atonement.
This excellent historical novel is large in scope and perceptive in detail, with language that is faithful to its time yet accessible to us today. Highly recommended.
Merged review:
History recognises Francisco Pelsaert as Commander of the Batavia, a ship that became wrecked on the Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia in 1629. But Pelsaert’s Nightmare, by Gregory Warwick Hansen, shows he was much more than just a seafaring employee of the mighty Dutch East India Company. Based on his writings – both his shipwreck journal and observations of Mogul India where he lived for a number of years – this comprehensive novel delves far into Pelsaert’s mind and heart, bringing to life the world in which this tragedy and its horrific aftermath took place.
The Batavia was a ship carrying over 300 passengers that set out from Holland in 1628, headed for the Dutch colony of Jakarta (then known as Batavia, also). Months later it inexplicably sailed off course and was wrecked on a coral reef 60 kilometres from the Australian coast. With hundreds of survivors making it to shore and no hope of rescue, Pelsaert undertook an epic journey in a long boat to Jakarta, seeking help. When he returned three months later, it was to face a horrific reality. Under the guardianship of Jeronimus Cornelisz, Pelsaert’s company lieutenant during the ill-fated voyage, discipline had collapsed and mayhem had ensued.
This novel is a multifaceted portrait of Pelsaert, a flawed man who mentally relives and defines the past as he lies dying in a shabby room outside the walls of Batavia Castle, and the pitiless yet fascinating times in which he lived. It is a penetrating study with a strong narrative voice that takes the reader through history and across time to discover what lay behind the disaster and its aftermath in which more than 100 men, women and children were brutally murdered.
Pelsaert’s narrative voice is a continuum that haunts the novel, explicating the politics of the day and scene setting for the events that lay ahead. Creating suspense and an engaging sense of space and time, Pelsaert’s Nightmare does not spare the reader from graphic details. It is compelling and repellent at the same time as it seeks to tell the story through the lens of politics and power.
Throughout the book, its ending has always been evident. From the time we first meet Pelsaert, we realise that this is a man with regrets who is negotiating with the past and seeking atonement.
This excellent historical novel is large in scope and perceptive in detail, with language that is faithful to its time yet accessible to us today. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2021
A real eye opener...
Wow, this book was definitely something else, and in a good way. Told from a fresh perspective and in such a way that pulls the reader in. It was a real page-turner and a book I will definitely read again.
The story itself is illustrious and rich in emotions of all kind. It isn't easy to capture someone's life in a single book, but I did feel like the author did an amazing job in this case.
Wow, this book was definitely something else, and in a good way. Told from a fresh perspective and in such a way that pulls the reader in. It was a real page-turner and a book I will definitely read again.
The story itself is illustrious and rich in emotions of all kind. It isn't easy to capture someone's life in a single book, but I did feel like the author did an amazing job in this case.
February 18, 2021
This book is a fiction work of a historical figure called Francisco Pelsaert. It is a reimagination of the wreckage of the ship Batavia. Now sick, Pelsaert is haunted by these events and is continuously thrown into his past and relives it through his sickened daze.
Pelsaert's Nightmare is an imaginative and rich narrative that draws you into the protagonist's past. The emotional turmoil seeps from the pages through the colorful descriptive writing that brings the past vividly to the reader's mind. Through Pelsaert's weakened state, the reader dips in and out of time to discover what actually happened in his past and the events concerning the ship Batavia. The narrative is engaging and compels the reader to delve deeper into the story.
The characters are cleverly woven throughout the book. The author explores the person of Pelsaert and hints at possible ramifications upon his person as a result of the wreckage. The plot structure is somewhat fractured in places. This is purposefully done as it is a direct result of Pelsaert's sickness and his flitting thoughts. It works as it makes the story that much more intriguing.
I recommend this book, especially to those who favor historical fiction because Pelsaert's Nightmare is a captivating addition to the genre.
Pelsaert's Nightmare is an imaginative and rich narrative that draws you into the protagonist's past. The emotional turmoil seeps from the pages through the colorful descriptive writing that brings the past vividly to the reader's mind. Through Pelsaert's weakened state, the reader dips in and out of time to discover what actually happened in his past and the events concerning the ship Batavia. The narrative is engaging and compels the reader to delve deeper into the story.
The characters are cleverly woven throughout the book. The author explores the person of Pelsaert and hints at possible ramifications upon his person as a result of the wreckage. The plot structure is somewhat fractured in places. This is purposefully done as it is a direct result of Pelsaert's sickness and his flitting thoughts. It works as it makes the story that much more intriguing.
I recommend this book, especially to those who favor historical fiction because Pelsaert's Nightmare is a captivating addition to the genre.
October 24, 2020
A book that is suspenseful and sensual at the same time. This novel captures the senses whilst telling the story of reflection, disappointment and deceit. The author uses a fascinating language to wrap the reader around his finger. It is impossible not to be immersed by the intricately and delicately composed scenes and not imagine a movie being made from this rich material. In fact, ones' imagination gets enough material to create it's own colourful moving image of Pelsaert's Nightmare. The author achieves to connect historic facts with vivid and believable storytelling, managing to delve deeply into beautifully and magnificently imagined sequences and conversations.
From the book:
"Her skin was a varnish of honey, each bead of perspiration shaped like some translucent ladybird to magnify the perception of her chemistry. Her scent contained a humour of unpowdered liberty, the freedom to startle and intoxicate, to recover some childish moment of discovery."
I recommend this novel!
From the book:
"Her skin was a varnish of honey, each bead of perspiration shaped like some translucent ladybird to magnify the perception of her chemistry. Her scent contained a humour of unpowdered liberty, the freedom to startle and intoxicate, to recover some childish moment of discovery."
I recommend this novel!
November 14, 2020
A complex book to read, but worthwhile to do so.
Reading the book, it has the style that the reader is not immediately aware who is speaking, but it eventually becomes clear, and often I found myself re-reading the start of that section now that I knew the speaker, and the context in which they were speaking.
However this was a personal annoyance, and once I accepted this was the style of the novel, the richness of the language and the storyline overwhelmed any dissatisfaction I experienced early on, and in fact probably added to my engagement, since I often read sections a couple of times.
The breadth of the story is impressive, and I felt absorbed by the tapestry of the characters and the story which developed.
Reading the book, it has the style that the reader is not immediately aware who is speaking, but it eventually becomes clear, and often I found myself re-reading the start of that section now that I knew the speaker, and the context in which they were speaking.
However this was a personal annoyance, and once I accepted this was the style of the novel, the richness of the language and the storyline overwhelmed any dissatisfaction I experienced early on, and in fact probably added to my engagement, since I often read sections a couple of times.
The breadth of the story is impressive, and I felt absorbed by the tapestry of the characters and the story which developed.
July 26, 2021
Pelsaert’s Nightmare focuses on Francisco Pelsaert, the merchant commander of the ship Batavia, who one year after the shipwreck and the subsequent massacre lay dying in a simple room. In this book, he reflects on his life, from his childhood in the Netherlands to his career success in India up to the tragedy that followed the tragic shipwreck.
Unfortunately, I gave up on finishing this book. While this isn’t my first time reading historical fiction, this is the most difficult read I’ve encountered recently. Yes, the book was about Pelsaert’s reflections and delusions, but it was difficult for me to determine which ones are flashbacks and which ones are from his dreams and hallucinations. I had to go back several pages and read again to be sure that I comprehended everything.
It did not help that the way Pelsaert, the narrator and protagonist, told the story in a non-linear manner. I wish I could understand the decision to write it like that, but I never did. I thought that the first 50% was just a filler since Pelsaert ended up going through everything again in the second half.
Pelsaert was an interesting character to focus on. While I was reading the book, I also looked him (and Batavia and the other persons related to the tragedy) up on Wikipedia and didn’t find much about his life. But Hansen did well in writing about his childhood, career, and motivations. The other characters were also convincing.
15th century Europe came alive in this book as well. I loved the vivid descriptions of what Amsterdam, Mogul India, and the ship ‘Batavia’ were like back then. I’m not too familiar with the history of the VOC, but this book gave a nice overview of their work.
Even though I loved the characters and world-building, the storyline was almost impossible for me to follow. I’m not sure if I want to pick this up again.
Unfortunately, I gave up on finishing this book. While this isn’t my first time reading historical fiction, this is the most difficult read I’ve encountered recently. Yes, the book was about Pelsaert’s reflections and delusions, but it was difficult for me to determine which ones are flashbacks and which ones are from his dreams and hallucinations. I had to go back several pages and read again to be sure that I comprehended everything.
It did not help that the way Pelsaert, the narrator and protagonist, told the story in a non-linear manner. I wish I could understand the decision to write it like that, but I never did. I thought that the first 50% was just a filler since Pelsaert ended up going through everything again in the second half.
Pelsaert was an interesting character to focus on. While I was reading the book, I also looked him (and Batavia and the other persons related to the tragedy) up on Wikipedia and didn’t find much about his life. But Hansen did well in writing about his childhood, career, and motivations. The other characters were also convincing.
15th century Europe came alive in this book as well. I loved the vivid descriptions of what Amsterdam, Mogul India, and the ship ‘Batavia’ were like back then. I’m not too familiar with the history of the VOC, but this book gave a nice overview of their work.
Even though I loved the characters and world-building, the storyline was almost impossible for me to follow. I’m not sure if I want to pick this up again.
September 15, 2021
Pelsaerst’s Nightmare features an emotional and compelling story that’s filled with moving imagery and strong characters. Unfortunately a lot of it is buried beneath confusing plot lines and complicated set pieces. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, in fact the book allows you to really dive into Francisco Pelsaert life and story from a viscerally unique perspective but definitely don’t go in expecting a concise and direct read. I loved the way Pelsaert’s mind was explored, riddled with fatigue and creepiness as he looks into the errors of his past. There’s a lot of emotion to be found here and if you’re prepared for a few chapters that are hard to follow the end result is a captivating and incredibly engaging book.
June 29, 2022
When I first started reading this book, I really wanted to like it but ended up finding that harder than expected.
It's written like an autobiography, which I loved. But what I found hard was distinguishing what parts were flashbacks and which weren't. Even some of the dialogue between characters ended up being really confusing.
I loved the style of writing though, the use of more formal speech was a nice change of pace.
The characters and descriptions of everything were also well thought out and easy to picture.
I also don't know much about this certain historical event, so maybe that is my issue. I'd still recommend giving this book a chance! If you enjoy history and know a bit more than myself about this subject, it might just be the story you're looking for!
It's written like an autobiography, which I loved. But what I found hard was distinguishing what parts were flashbacks and which weren't. Even some of the dialogue between characters ended up being really confusing.
I loved the style of writing though, the use of more formal speech was a nice change of pace.
The characters and descriptions of everything were also well thought out and easy to picture.
I also don't know much about this certain historical event, so maybe that is my issue. I'd still recommend giving this book a chance! If you enjoy history and know a bit more than myself about this subject, it might just be the story you're looking for!
April 6, 2021
Pelsaert’s Nightmare is a beautifully written novel by Gregory Hansen. Based on fact but with an author’s fantasy, there are many stories intertwined across countries and years.
My recommendation is not to try too hard to piece everything together too early, it will all beautifully come together and drag you in to keep reading.
The charm and eloquence of the writing artistry is extraordinary, I felt like I had Gregory Hansen reading to me as I got taken away with all of the stories and characters.
Highly recommended. Great holiday read for hours absorbed in the story in a comfy chair.
Thank you Gregory!
My recommendation is not to try too hard to piece everything together too early, it will all beautifully come together and drag you in to keep reading.
The charm and eloquence of the writing artistry is extraordinary, I felt like I had Gregory Hansen reading to me as I got taken away with all of the stories and characters.
Highly recommended. Great holiday read for hours absorbed in the story in a comfy chair.
Thank you Gregory!
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April 20, 2021From the outset I must declare my bias – after all, ‘Pelsaert’s Nightmare’ is dedicated to me. As the author’s wife, I spent years in the presence of a project I was aware of but never met until it reached something like adolescence.
Of course I knew what the subject was, and had followed in the wake of some of Greg’s reading, including ‘Batavia’s Graveyard’ by Mike Dash. I understood that the novel was being written from Pelsaert’s point of view, that he was in his last days and looking back on things through the sullied filter of the ‘Batavia’ episode. However, this didn’t quite prepare me for what I was about to read.
The ‘Batavia’ shipwreck and mutiny were assumed to be the hub of the story, everything tethered to that event. While this is true up to a point, to focus entirely on what occurred off the coast of Western Australia in 1629 is to overlook the fine grain of what this novel is about. Indeed, a friend of ours was initially frustrated when reading the manuscript: “There’s this elephant in the corner of the room, yet we seem to be tiptoeing around the ‘Batavia’ story.”
The novel’s opening epigraph hints at what we’re about to experience: “A man’s life is larger and more complex than the representation of any one event, yet a single incident is enough to disfigure the past and contest the moment.” While the ‘Batavia’ saga is inextricably threaded throughout these pages, the novel is really a number stories that combine to portray an astute but rather ordinary guy who is suddenly caught up in extraordinary and repellent circumstances. Looking back on his life as fevered sleep and conscience dictate, we glimpse episodes from his childhood in the Netherlands to his company adventures in India. We witness his climbing of the corporate ladder and his appetite for whatever best serves him. Yet there’s also this willingness to exercise his intellect and test the boundaries of experience (including places he most definitely shouldn’t go). It is Pelsaert’s personal life – his hopes and evasions, the foiling of his dreams and a legacy of regret – that makes the narrative such an intimate experience. ‘Batavia’ is the hand grenade which suddenly tests the calibre of what he’s become and causes everything to be drawn together in a review of how he’s lived.
I was pleased with what another reviewer (Nicole Lam, April 4, 2021) said: “My recommendation is not to try too hard to piece everything together too early, it will all beautifully come together…” I wholly endorse this. Like a movie filled with flashbacks and episodes covering different locations and stages of life, allow each segment to claim a moment of your attention then move on – you’ll find more and more of the jigsaw falling into place. It’s Pelsaert telling his story to himself. His audience is his conscience (we come along for the ride) and he’s trying to make sense of it all, trying to reclaim the good from the bad while admitting that terrible things have happened, and wanting to atone.
I’m grateful for all the good reviews that ‘Pelsaert’s Nightmare’ has received. As I say, I’m biased, but this is a great novel, one whose years of writing reflected my husband’s deep dive into the vagaries of human nature and his interrogation of what life sometimes adds up to.
Of course I knew what the subject was, and had followed in the wake of some of Greg’s reading, including ‘Batavia’s Graveyard’ by Mike Dash. I understood that the novel was being written from Pelsaert’s point of view, that he was in his last days and looking back on things through the sullied filter of the ‘Batavia’ episode. However, this didn’t quite prepare me for what I was about to read.
The ‘Batavia’ shipwreck and mutiny were assumed to be the hub of the story, everything tethered to that event. While this is true up to a point, to focus entirely on what occurred off the coast of Western Australia in 1629 is to overlook the fine grain of what this novel is about. Indeed, a friend of ours was initially frustrated when reading the manuscript: “There’s this elephant in the corner of the room, yet we seem to be tiptoeing around the ‘Batavia’ story.”
The novel’s opening epigraph hints at what we’re about to experience: “A man’s life is larger and more complex than the representation of any one event, yet a single incident is enough to disfigure the past and contest the moment.” While the ‘Batavia’ saga is inextricably threaded throughout these pages, the novel is really a number stories that combine to portray an astute but rather ordinary guy who is suddenly caught up in extraordinary and repellent circumstances. Looking back on his life as fevered sleep and conscience dictate, we glimpse episodes from his childhood in the Netherlands to his company adventures in India. We witness his climbing of the corporate ladder and his appetite for whatever best serves him. Yet there’s also this willingness to exercise his intellect and test the boundaries of experience (including places he most definitely shouldn’t go). It is Pelsaert’s personal life – his hopes and evasions, the foiling of his dreams and a legacy of regret – that makes the narrative such an intimate experience. ‘Batavia’ is the hand grenade which suddenly tests the calibre of what he’s become and causes everything to be drawn together in a review of how he’s lived.
I was pleased with what another reviewer (Nicole Lam, April 4, 2021) said: “My recommendation is not to try too hard to piece everything together too early, it will all beautifully come together…” I wholly endorse this. Like a movie filled with flashbacks and episodes covering different locations and stages of life, allow each segment to claim a moment of your attention then move on – you’ll find more and more of the jigsaw falling into place. It’s Pelsaert telling his story to himself. His audience is his conscience (we come along for the ride) and he’s trying to make sense of it all, trying to reclaim the good from the bad while admitting that terrible things have happened, and wanting to atone.
I’m grateful for all the good reviews that ‘Pelsaert’s Nightmare’ has received. As I say, I’m biased, but this is a great novel, one whose years of writing reflected my husband’s deep dive into the vagaries of human nature and his interrogation of what life sometimes adds up to.
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