There was a time when Melati van Java (1853 – 1927) was a well-known and much-liked name in the Netherlands. Especially around the turn of the century the general public was familiar with her... Show moreThere was a time when Melati van Java (1853 – 1927) was a well-known and much-liked name in the Netherlands. Especially around the turn of the century the general public was familiar with her novels, which remained in circulation in various editions for at least a quarter of a century; people read her contributions to newspapers and magazines or knew that she was active in the Roman Catholic women’s movement. Literary critics reacted with mixed feelings to her novels, from favourable to sympathetic, to disapproving and cynical, but her novels practically always got attention. In short, Melati van Java (pseudonym of Marie Sloot) was an important factor in the cultural society of the day in the Netherlands. The status she enjoyed at the time contrasts sharply with the regard she has today. Show less
