Saturday, 21 December 2024

The Nine Lives of Kitty K

Author: Margaret Mills
ISBN: 9780473689230

Hi Everyone

I don't know how many times I went into a Paperplus bookstore and picked up this book before I finally gave in and purchased it.  From my first sighting to the moment I closed the final page, I was captivated by Kitty's story. 

The first life of Kitty was an interesting concept because it was before she was born. The life of her mother and the reasoning behind Kitty being born in New Zealand was a necessity and I am pleased it was included. It helped me to understand her mother and her points of view, along with Kitty's, in comparison to the other characters who originated from New Zealand. Kitty's mother was tough on her but also the foundation of Kitty's strength of character.  

The rest of the book follows the other eight lives of Kitty K.  Each life being a new season of Kitty's. It really is worth reading as you make the journey through every link in her story. The makings of the woman that we see through to the final days of her story.  I was left several times shocked by outcomes that shaped several of her lives. 

In addition to Kitty's story, the history of New Zealand's gold mining and the foundations of areas like Queenstown were extremely well presented within the storyline. It was cleanly intertwined within each life without taking over from Kitty's story.  A beautifully written piece of historical literature.

Overall, I enjoyed following Kitty through the pages of her life - or nine lives.

Description:

Set in a turbulent period of goldfields’ history, The Nine Lives of Kitty K. paints a vivid picture of pioneer life as told by the sons and daughters of those who lived it and survived the terrible Depression of the 1890s. Kitty Kirk (1855–1930), arguably the toughest woman in Otago history, endured those times, supporting herself as a woman alone. Happiness was followed by tragedy, fame by infamy, and the circle was repeated more than once. Some locals called her a heroine, others called her a harlot. Whichever she was, she became a legend in her own lifetime for her daring deeds that are still remembered and talked about ninety years after her death.

Goodreads

Happy ready 




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