The Nine Lives of Kitty K | Margaret Mills

“Colonial survivor, farmer’s wife and horse whisperer Kitty Kirk is the central figure in this historical novel that looks at her colourful life. She lived from 1855 to 1930 during the turbulent period of the goldfield’s history in Central Otago. She became a legend in her own lifetime, but while some praised her as being a heroine, others accused her of being a harlot. The narrative begins with her young Irish mother being forced into a shotgun marriage and sent to New Zealand to escape the family shame. It follows Kitty’s life from a young girl to mature woman, with happiness turning into tragedy several times over – and with Kitty supporting herself as a woman alone for long periods of her life.”