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.  Kitty Kirk was arguably the toughest woman on the Otago goldfields. 

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.

From taming dangerous horses, to establishing a farm in the shadow of the Remarkables mountains and regularly navigating the treacherous Skippers road, Kitty's daring deeds ensured she caught the attention of the local community. 

Ninety years after her death, she is remembered as a legend. Her life was a constant cycle of happiness followed by tragedy, fame by infamy, yet she endured.

Based on a true story, the Nine Lives of Kitty K paints a vivid picture of pioneer life on the Otago goldfields and during the terrible depression of the 1890s, and the agony of being a woman trying to make it alone. 

Product Details: 

• Format:                        Trade Paperback
• Publication Date:         14/12/2023
• Publisher:                    Flying Books Publishing
• Distributor:                  Flying Books Publishing
• Country of Origin:       New Zealand
• Pages:                          408
• RRP:                             $36.99