SPEARGRASS : Growing up on a 1940s farm near Arrowtown New Zealand

An extraordinary and evocative memoir. Hillary's recall and attention to detail highlight the places and people that were important, including the Otago settlements of Arrowtown, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Kinloch and Dunedin. Central to this story is how living on the farm in the immediate post-war period shaped family life. Respect for her parents efforts to provide the best possible life for them all in the face of considerable social and economic pressures shines through in this remarkable account. Hilarys recall of her time at Arrowtown School will resonate with people who attended similar schools. The memoir traces the marriage of her parents and the differences in their respective family backgrounds and social expectations. Dunedin and her mothers family maritime backdrop is explored, as is the relevance of Routeburn, Woodbine, and Earnslaw Stations. Brought to life are the ways the seasons shaped peoples daily living, making the most of limited facilities and creating entertainment. Highlighted is the role of the lake steamer, TSS Earnslaw. This book will appeal to anyone with a connection to the area as well as all those with an interest in a unique time and place in New Zealands rich history.