Eric Schneider is one of the last eyewitnesses of the Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. After the death of his brother, the renowned author F. Springer, Eric has found the courage to take some time off from acting and writing for theatre. At the age of 79, he wrote his debut and joined Hella S. Haasse and Adriaan van Dis, along with others, to portray the last days of Indonesia as a Dutch colony. In A Tropical Memory, three people get together and have to realize that memory is a highly subjective matter.

Every five years, diplomat Ferdy Aronius meets his mother and her ex-lover to ‘celebrate’ the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombs ended the Japanese reign over the Dutch colony. But, simultaneously, it was the end of Dutch rule over Indonesia and the beginning of independence.

As the evening progresses, the honesty of the discussion increases. For the first time, the violent truth about the past in the Dutch East Indies becomes apparant, and Ferdy talks about the brother he lost at a young age. In A Tropical Memory, characters recollect events that still seem to influence the present.

‘Such a fascinating book! Eric Schneider writes his beautiful stories subdued, which provokes deep emotions.’ – Willem Nijholt

‘A Tropical Memory brings the echoes of the brothers Eric and Carel Jan Schneider (F. Springer) together.’ – Telegraaf

‘What a surprise; a new Schneider has risen. F. Springer’s (Carl Schneider) younger brother Eric Schneider, a well-known actor, made his debut with A Tropical Memory at the age of 79. Two novellas of which the first may enter the treasure chambers of the Indonesian literature immediately. Eric Schneider’s tone reminds you of that of his brother F. Springer. Subdued (small words for big emotions), ironic and full of subtle humor. But there are enough differences in his style of writing to give him an unique voice. Hopefully this will not be the only book he writes.’ – Boekennieuws.nl

'An almost tender depiction of the powerlessness that aging brings.' — Noordhollands Dagblad

‘Eric Schneider’s stories are made for the stage. He knows how to provoke images and atmosphere of both past and present.’ – de Volkskrant

‘Wonderful stories. He draws the reader into the story. Very good and very moving. I am impressed and award it 9,5 out of 10.’ – Libelle

‘The story deserves to be read and reread, time after time, because all details fit together so beautifully. Build up, tempo, everything is perfect. We hope that the author has much more to offer of such beauty. We are fans.’ – CuttingEdge.nl