AustLit

'The use of the word 'remarkable' in the sub-title of this fascinating book is wholly justified. Some of the most important strands of mid-nineteenth century British and imperial history shaped the life of this woman who died so tragically young. Fortunately, she and the members of her large, extended family were inveterate letter writers and Lucy also kept a diary and detailed journals for the years she spent as a governess in New Zealand and later as the wife of a grazier in northern Queensland, near Hughenden, and farmer in New Zealand. She also kept another record of her experiences in her sketches and paintings and this volume is abundantly provided with illustrations to complement the extensive extracts that Vivers has chosen from the letters, diary and journals. In many places Lucy is allowed to tell her own story without scholarly mediation and Vivers shows both skill and sensitivity in her choice of extracts and the narrative connections she makes to carry the story forward. Perhaps the most important feature of this well researched work is that we are able to hear Lucy's voice as she recorded her impressions of the people, the places and the landscapes of the Antipodean colonies where she was a relatively brief resident but remarkably acute observer.' (Introduction)