Author(s): Marie-ann Quin

Novel | Historical | Aotearoa Fiction

When Bedelia, and her sister emigrate to New Zealand in the mid 19th Century, they have no idea what their future will hold. All they know is their lives could not be any worse than what they have left behind in Ireland.

The feisty sixteen year old quickly shows her potential as a budding midwife. The strength of pioneering women buoy her on despite her misgivings in her ability to cope with one of the most dangerous events in a person’s life - birth.

“This is history brought to life in an engaging story that draws on colonial history, family history and professional experience. This combination has resulted in a story that entertains an

When Bedelia, and her sister emigrate to New Zealand in the mid 19th Century, they have no idea what their future will hold. All they know is their lives could not be any worse than what they have left behind in Ireland. The feisty sixteen year old quickly shows her potential as a budding midwife. The strength of pioneering women buoy her on despite her misgivings in her ability to cope with one of the most dangerous events in a person’s life - birth. “This is history brought to life in an engaging story that draws on colonial history, family history and professional experience. This combination has resulted in a story that entertains and educates.” - Paul Nation | Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, Victoria University.