The translators of a book chronicling the lives of the Dutch during World War II are sharing their story in Pella soon.

Something You Never Forget was originally compiled by Else Flim, a resident of
Laren, the Netherlands. Pella resident Cathy Steenhoek, whose parents are interviewed
in the book, has long wanted to have the contents translated into English. In 2020-’21, that
finally happened, with the help of translator Carol Hoeksema and the cooperation of
Flim and her husband, Adrian Kok.

“I wanted to do this to honor my parents and those who shared their stories,” Cathy
says. “These are too important to not let others read them.”

The stories are as big as covert Resistance activities and the danger that entailed and as
small as seeing German troops in a living room. They capture the day-to-day
reactions, acclimation, and terror of being an occupied people. The book will be presented to Pella Historical Society and Museums at a program on Monday, Sept. 13, at 4:30 p.m. in the Vermeer Windmill Gift Shop. Books will be available for purchase there as well.

Steenhoek and Hoeksema will be available to speak to groups the week of Sept. 13. Those interested, contact Steenhoek at (641) 628-9894.