Valois: A Mosaic of Nature, History, and Culture

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Valois, a region nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Val-d'Oise department, located just north of Paris. In this enchanting environment, highly acclaimed author Hella S. Haasse and her husband Jan van Lelyveld resided for almost a decade. From the moment they arrived, the hills, forests, and fields stirred something within Haasse's soul, evoking memories of her homeland Java and a profound sense of belonging.

Delving deep into the essence of Valois, Haasse embarked on a mesmerizing journey of discovery as she unraveled the intricate tapestry of the region's landscape, history, and atmosphere. The result is an exquisite mosaic of impressions and observations, a poetic portrayal of Valois that captures its profound allure.

A Melding of Nature and Folklore

Beyond its natural splendor, Valois boasts a rich tapestry of mythology and folklore, where trees and water hold a dominant role. These ancient legends, deeply interwoven into the fabric of Valois, speak of a time long before recorded history. Haasse unearths the stories, unraveling their origins and revealing the intertwined relationship between nature and the human spirit.

A Name Breathing Life into the Past

Valois, while no longer an official designation, carries great significance as a symbol of shared heritage, merging the realms of landscape and culture. It is an embodiment of a collective past, an intangible essence that transcends geographical borders and boundaries. Haasse's extraordinary work illuminates the true essence of Valois, elevating it from a mere name to a vibrant realm of emotion and history.

Aleid Truijens, Haasse's esteemed biographer, provides a captivating afterword, offering a glimpse into the French period of Hella S. Haasse's life, further enriching the reader's understanding of this remarkable author's connection to Valois.

Valois: A Mosaic of Nature, History, and Culture invites you to embark on an unforgettable literary voyage, immersing yourself in the magic and allure of a place where nature and folklore intertwine, breathing life into a shared past.