Psychological Digs in Paradise: Overcoming the Traumas of the past in Pursuit of an Elusive Ideal

As a teaching novel, this book seeks to demonstrate ways in which a past with significant traumas does not need to hold us captive. It involves an enjoyable expedition on to an island called Rustenberg, where its characters mainly inhabit the town affectionately known as KP - Kleine Paradijs. In a tranquil tropical setting the reader is introduced to further psychological insights about several people and their oft misunderstood behaviours and reactions. A seeming simple year's research trip investigating coffee morphs into unexpected encounters with the visitors' pasts, as well as their becoming part of a tragic event that spoils the deceptively safe tranquillity of the island experience.
Written by two retired psychologists with many years' experience as practitioners, the journey allows us to explore individual responses to life's curved balls, while learning to accept the very real limitations of believing in the idea of paradise on earth.

The teaching novel genre is based on a previous international award-winning book John wrote with two colleagues: A Guide to Promoting a Positive Classroom Environment.

“John and Esther Roodenburg bring their wealth of experience as educators and psychologists together in this teaching novel. Rarely will you have the opportunity to be so thoroughly entertained and yet genuinely learn so much about the inner experience of another person. The complexities of life experiences, behaviours, perceptions, beliefs and interactions are laid bare against a backdrop of tropical intrigue and self-discovery. Whether your goal is entertainment or education, this novel will undoubtedly deliver both!”
Dr Shane Costello, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Senior Lecturer, Monash University, Australia

“Digs in Paradise offers pearls of wisdom through thought-provoking story telling... Readers will easily relate to the honest and captivating relationships, behaviours, and experiences of the characters in Digs in Paradise, gaining insight into the human condition whilst receiving subtle guidance for navigating their own world. I am excited for others to venture into the town of KP and learn from two of my great teachers.”
Dr Simone Gindidis Educational and Developmental Psychologist”