Press by Author Hendrika deVries - A Girl From Amsterdam

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Hendrika de Vries Interview

Voice Magazine Book Review Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian

A sensitive inquiry into the depth of her experiences after surviving World War II’s Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, in Open Turns Hendrika de Vries recalls her younger self’s sometimes unwilling adventures as her family transports her from her beloved Lyceum, friends, and swimming pool in Amsterdam, into a new life as a 13-year-old Australian immigrant. Read More »

Immigration Nerds Podcast

In this powerful episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke speaks with Hendrika de Vries, author of the new book “Open Turns,” about her remarkable journey from surviving World War II in occupied Amsterdam to becoming a champion swimmer and finding her identity as a 13-year-old immigrant in 1950s Australia. Listen to the podcast »

From war-torn Amsterdam to champion in Adelaide: the story of Hendrika de Vries

In a story that crosses borders, generations, and identities, Hendrika de Vries embodies the resilience of Dutch migrants who forged new lives in Australia after the Second World War. Her journey—from the trauma of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to becoming South Australia’s swimming champion in 1955—is a testament to courage, adaptability, and the power of sport in healing the past. Read More »

Finding joy in your body with author Hendrika de Vries

On this very special episode of The GIST of It, Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula sits down with author, swimmer, and retired therapist Hendrika de Vries ahead of the release of her memoir, “Open Turns.” de Vries fled Nazi-occupied Amsterdam as a child and started a new life as an immigrant in Australia, where becoming an athlete helped her re-discover her sense of self amid global and internal turmoil. Don’t miss this one. Listen to the podcast »

Podchaser Podcast: From Amsterdam to Australia

In this interview, Hendrika shares her youth in Amsterdam and the experience of growing up during the war. She talks abut the family’s immigration to Australia and how she got into swimming, even shattering a few records in the process. Listen to the podcast »

Hendrika: From Nazi-Occupied Amsterdam to a New Life: A Story of Courage, Immigration & Healing

On this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Hendrika, author of Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian, to explore her extraordinary life journey. Having grown up in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Hendrika shares powerful memories of her childhood during WWII—including her mother’s courageous role in the Dutch resistance and the sheltering of a Jewish girl. Listen to the podcast »

Open Turns: A Story of Resilience, Resistance & Reinvention

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, award-winning author Hendrika de Vries discusses her moving and reflective new memoir, “Open Turns” (She Writes Press, September 2, 2025). Listen to the interview »

Embracing the Power of Our Stories in the Final Chapters of Life

In this Baby Boomster article Hendrika de Vries talks about embracing her incredible journey of storytelling and writing, and how it has transformed her life in ways she could never have anticipated… Read more »