Saïdjah en Adinda

Saïdjah en Adinda is one of the most important works of Dutch literature and a touching love story. In accessible language the life stories of two young Javanese lovers is told. These children of two poor farmers wish to marry. But their lives and the lives of their families are ruined by the Dutch occupiers and the rich Indian lords. 

The novels of Eenvoudig communiceren are written in accessible language, which makes them perfect for people who are learning Dutch as a second language. There are about serious subjects, however. The comic novels can function as a stepping stone to reading more difficult books and can also be used in the treatment of educations topics in class. 

The experiences of Saïdjah and Adinda are symbolic for the repression of the Indian people by Dutch rulers. Eduard Douwes Dekker wrote the book Max Havelaar in 1859 under the name Multatuli. After he lived and worked in Indië for 18 years for the Dutch government. The book is taken up in the Historical Canon: the Dutch historical top 50. According to historians every Dutchman should at least know something about these subjects. This ‘re-translation’ shows that important historical works can also be accessible for people who find it difficult to read.