Bargemaster

   Voorhout, a Dutch village near the Noordzee, copes well with the German occupation in World War Two.The inhabitants are not affected as badly by food shortages as their counterparts in large cities.
   The Van Wouw clan is particularly adept at adjusting to wartime inconveniences. Three brothers and one sister, residents of Voorhout, not only provide for themselves and numerous children; they also support relatives living in Amsterdam, The Hague and Leiden
    During the early war years, Cees van Wouw and his son, Peter, acquire a quantity of very valuable jewels. Kobus van Wouw views the unusual acquisition. He advises the eight-year old boy where to hide the precious stones. No other family member knows about the jewels. There is an understanding among the three that the gems will be their salvation if times get really bad.
   Cees’ small farm furnishes enough dairy products for the family. His fields, as well as those of his brothers, Kobus and Henk, yield the necessary vegetables and potatoes. And, in 1943, wheat is still fairly easily acquired. Kobus, who spends most of his time as a bargeman, always seems to know where to get it.
   There is another fortunate circumstance. The canals, in and around Voorhout, are abounding with fish and the Van Wouw family has many ingenious methods for seizing that great source of protein.
    During the final war year, people in the cities are literally starving. If still able to walk, they go to the country side to find food. The Van Wouw family has to devise methods for safeguarding its food supply.
   Wheat is almost impossible to procure. However, Kobus and Peter are able to obtain large quantities by exchanging for jewels. Together with family members from The Hague, they set up a fascinating business.

Characters and Themes

• The main character, Kobus (or Kok), is known as the best bargeman in the region. That  reputation initiates a close relationship with the local resistance movement. More ...
• Attempting to remove Kok's inhibitions with double measures of gin had become an established  routine at the Van Wouw birthday gatherings. Peter's inquisitive aunts were forever trying to get  tidbits of information about Kok's lady friend in Noordwijkerhout. More ...
• According to the Germans, the Van Duin family in Katwijk lived too close to the Noordzee. So, they were ordered out of their house and sent to Voorhout. They took up temporary residence in the Boerhaavestraat. Within days, Jaap van Duin and Peter became good friends. Peter admired Jaap's courage. More ...