Letters to You, Charles.

These are not only letters from Sarah to her ancestor, Charles Etty, in honour of his own travel writings but also the travelogue of a descendant journeying in her family's footsteps through 'Volcanic Java'. Charles Etty was born in York and his brother William Etty RA's statue is outside York Art Gallery, being a famous painter in the Victorian era.Charles had an interesting life and finally settled in Java with his family, although he always yearned for his native York. He built Wonolangan Sugar Mill in 1832 and his house in 1836 and by the time he passed away, in 1856, he was the owner of three sugar mills; Wonolangan, Oembul and Wringin Anom. Wringin Anom is where my father was born.Sarah had, also, been asked to give a talk with questions and answers about my book on Charles' life, by the members of the largest Historical Society in Soerabaia (the city is now spelt Surabaya so Sarah may use either spellings) the night we arrive in the city. They call Charles 'The Father of Modern Sugar Mills in Java'.The gentleman, who asked me, also arranged for my husband and myself to visit two of the remaining sugar mills, now state-owned and the site of the third.

Sarah soaked up the beauty and history of the place Charles called home, even though part of his heart was forever in England's York.

Experience Java through Sarah's eyes and letters and maybe you will be drawn to visit this magical island between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea.