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The Day She Cradled Me
A fascinating novel based on the life of the infamous baby farmer Minnie Dean, the only woman in New Zealand history ever to be hanged. Accused of infanticide and awaiting trial and then sentence, Minnie confides in Reverend Lindsay. Alternating between these two contrasting personalities, the novel tells Minnie's version of events. From her oppressive upbringing in Victorian Scotland to adulthood in Southland, Minnie battles her own nature and the hardships of colonial life and social hypocrisy. Once Minnie is tried, she has to face her impending execution, while Reverend Lindsay, who has become her unlikely ally, fights to prevent her paying the ultimate price for society's sins.
319 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 2, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2022
I have made a study of Minnie Dean for most of my adult life. One question I haven't been able to answer is "Was she guilty?" This book will answer my question. It is well written and brings Minnie Dean to life. We have a sense of the Winton community and life in NZ in the late 1800s. The writing is clear, clean clever, and we get a sense of each of the players in this drama. Minne Dean was the only woman to be hung in New Zealand. She was known as the notorious baby farmer. Back in those days, illegitimate children humiliated the family. But as women gained the vote and were able to own property and run businesses, things happened.
This book follows her life, trial and death. When I researched the information, there was a lot that was unclear. de Bazin untangles all the information and makes it an easy read. This is a forever book. de Bazin follows in the footsteps of great historical writers like Walter Scot. She has to make up some of the information; however, she is factually correct where there is documentation. It is a fantastic read. Good for crime novel readers, people who like historical books and are interested in NZ's past. 10/10
This book follows her life, trial and death. When I researched the information, there was a lot that was unclear. de Bazin untangles all the information and makes it an easy read. This is a forever book. de Bazin follows in the footsteps of great historical writers like Walter Scot. She has to make up some of the information; however, she is factually correct where there is documentation. It is a fantastic read. Good for crime novel readers, people who like historical books and are interested in NZ's past. 10/10
November 25, 2012
This is a brilliant book! Sacha de Bazin tells the story of Minnie Dean, the only woman to be hanged in New Zealand. Accused of murdering several children in her care, The Day She Cradled Me gives Minnie's side of the story - an innocent woman who was purely the subject of some terrible bad luck. de Bazin's research of the subject shines through - this is a fascinating story and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
August 22, 2023
This is a weird jumble of a book; for a novel. The timeline seems to suggest that the author assumes readers will have some familiarity with the events described. I don't, partially because history isn't really a passion of mine but also because I like to go in as blind as possible when reading. It makes sense to me if what's theorised in the afterword is true - the author's read everything that's been written about Minnie Dean.
It's incredibly short for a sort of autobiography. I wonder if maybe there could have been more of a spotlight on each of the children, as happened in the last part of the book. I understand that there's only so much that can be researched on events that took place over 100 years ago before things have to be made up, but I didn't find what was there to be lacking. There were also, according to the afterword, quite a few parts that had to be guessed, filled in from context, and made up. I also felt her husband's character to be fairly unexplored.
I appreciate the commitment to historical accuracy, believe me, but at the same time, reading a realistic trial is at times particularly repetitive, which might have been easier with a few minor edits and a greater amount of original prose to counterbalance. I think this applies to most of the source material displayed in the book; it's closer to being glued on than stitched in though there have been clear efforts made.
I can't say I admire any of the people described, which is probably a sign of the accuracy and grasp of nuance the author has on them. I know I have in the past expressed a craving for tragedy but it gets pretty dark, which hits harder when you know it's a true story.
It's incredibly short for a sort of autobiography. I wonder if maybe there could have been more of a spotlight on each of the children, as happened in the last part of the book. I understand that there's only so much that can be researched on events that took place over 100 years ago before things have to be made up, but I didn't find what was there to be lacking. There were also, according to the afterword, quite a few parts that had to be guessed, filled in from context, and made up. I also felt her husband's character to be fairly unexplored.
I appreciate the commitment to historical accuracy, believe me, but at the same time, reading a realistic trial is at times particularly repetitive, which might have been easier with a few minor edits and a greater amount of original prose to counterbalance. I think this applies to most of the source material displayed in the book; it's closer to being glued on than stitched in though there have been clear efforts made.
I can't say I admire any of the people described, which is probably a sign of the accuracy and grasp of nuance the author has on them. I know I have in the past expressed a craving for tragedy but it gets pretty dark, which hits harder when you know it's a true story.
May 7, 2018
A historical novel which closely resembles fact. The author explains which parts are fiction at the close of the narrative.
Her life and times both in Scotland and Southland NZ in the 19th century are well described. She was a survivor in a hard world and she is portrayed here in a better light than that of her reputation.
Her life and times both in Scotland and Southland NZ in the 19th century are well described. She was a survivor in a hard world and she is portrayed here in a better light than that of her reputation.
July 17, 2023
I’ve grown up with the story of Minnie Dean told around campfires throughout my whole life, I always villainized her. However, this book gave me a well-needed look into her life, her circumstances & her story. My view of her has completely shifted & made me think about how I view other women accused by the criminal justice system in comparison to men. An interesting read 🫶🏻
October 1, 2013
Sacha de Bazin was in Invercargill recently talking about her very first book, The day she cradled me. She was so lovely and her talk was so interesting that it made me want to read the book. I remember studying the case of Minnie Dean - the infamous "Winton baby farmer" and the only woman in New Zealand history to be hanged - in my high school History class, so I was looking forward to reading de Bazin's fictional account of her life and crimes.
The author spent years researching the case, and all of this background information shows throughout the novel. To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book, and some of it was difficult to get through as (in my opinion) Minnie was not a particularly likeable character. The further I read on, however, the more I came to sympathise with the situation Minnie found herself in.
de Bazin's aim of the book was to give Minnie Dean a voice and a chance to put her side of the story, and this she achieved admirably. de Bazin has managed to create a very readable, well-written novel out of what was a tragic case all round. Although we may never know for sure exactly what happened to those children, de Bazin presents a plausible, thought-provoking theory. Recommended to anyone with a passing interest in the case, New Zealand history in general, or just wanting a good fictional read based on actual events.
The author spent years researching the case, and all of this background information shows throughout the novel. To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book, and some of it was difficult to get through as (in my opinion) Minnie was not a particularly likeable character. The further I read on, however, the more I came to sympathise with the situation Minnie found herself in.
de Bazin's aim of the book was to give Minnie Dean a voice and a chance to put her side of the story, and this she achieved admirably. de Bazin has managed to create a very readable, well-written novel out of what was a tragic case all round. Although we may never know for sure exactly what happened to those children, de Bazin presents a plausible, thought-provoking theory. Recommended to anyone with a passing interest in the case, New Zealand history in general, or just wanting a good fictional read based on actual events.
February 5, 2013
Supplied by Random House for reviewed
Minnie Dean was the only woman hanged in New Zealand, in the mid1890s. A baby farmer who bought babies given up by their families before placing them with adoptive parents for a fee, she was accused of murdering children in her care and disposing of their bodies.
This book is based on facts gathered from trial transcripts, records, newspaper reports, etc, but tells the from Minnie’s point of view. In her version the babies and children accidently died and she panicked and buried the bodies in the garden. This is plausible as the infant mortality rate was high in the 1890s and she was viewed with enough suspicion by the authorities that she would be in serious trouble. Society in 1890 was male focused and anyone different was frowned upon. By today’s standards there was reasonable doubt but things were different then.
This book is thought-provoking and very well written, showing another side to the story. I knew of the crime growing up and always thought Minnie Dean was an evil monster who went around smothering babies and got what she deserved. Now I think this is another David Bain case and you’ll never be sure of her guilt. This is a good read though the historical facts are a bit dry and slow going. I’m not sure how interesting the case will be to international readers but it does show how life was back then for pioneers.
Minnie Dean was the only woman hanged in New Zealand, in the mid1890s. A baby farmer who bought babies given up by their families before placing them with adoptive parents for a fee, she was accused of murdering children in her care and disposing of their bodies.
This book is based on facts gathered from trial transcripts, records, newspaper reports, etc, but tells the from Minnie’s point of view. In her version the babies and children accidently died and she panicked and buried the bodies in the garden. This is plausible as the infant mortality rate was high in the 1890s and she was viewed with enough suspicion by the authorities that she would be in serious trouble. Society in 1890 was male focused and anyone different was frowned upon. By today’s standards there was reasonable doubt but things were different then.
This book is thought-provoking and very well written, showing another side to the story. I knew of the crime growing up and always thought Minnie Dean was an evil monster who went around smothering babies and got what she deserved. Now I think this is another David Bain case and you’ll never be sure of her guilt. This is a good read though the historical facts are a bit dry and slow going. I’m not sure how interesting the case will be to international readers but it does show how life was back then for pioneers.
March 3, 2012
Ms. de Bazin's debut novel is a compelling account of the only woman in New Zealand's history to be hung for murder.
It opens in a chilling scene of when Minnie Dean is being sentenced to death. We see through Minnie's eyes and feel her disbelief, confusion, loneliness and finally horror as the judge roars those damning words. It is an opening sure to bring goose-bumps to even the most hardened of readers.
I'd heard about this woman, Minnie Dean, years ago as a child. She was a baby-killer and a heartless woman who enjoyed nothing more than to poke hat-pins into children. But like most chinese-whispers, the facts had become grossly misshapen and enlarged beyond the truth until she was nothing more than a scary bed-time story for misbehaving children.
Using actual transcripts of the court proceedings and Minnie Dean's own correspondance, Ms. de Bazin has brought Minnie's story to life and allowed her a voice at last.
Thank you for the wonderful read Sacha and I look forward to your next project.
It opens in a chilling scene of when Minnie Dean is being sentenced to death. We see through Minnie's eyes and feel her disbelief, confusion, loneliness and finally horror as the judge roars those damning words. It is an opening sure to bring goose-bumps to even the most hardened of readers.
I'd heard about this woman, Minnie Dean, years ago as a child. She was a baby-killer and a heartless woman who enjoyed nothing more than to poke hat-pins into children. But like most chinese-whispers, the facts had become grossly misshapen and enlarged beyond the truth until she was nothing more than a scary bed-time story for misbehaving children.
Using actual transcripts of the court proceedings and Minnie Dean's own correspondance, Ms. de Bazin has brought Minnie's story to life and allowed her a voice at last.
Thank you for the wonderful read Sacha and I look forward to your next project.
May 13, 2012
A fictional story based on the life of Minnie Dean, the only woman ever hanged in New Zealand. To be fair to the author I have to admit that my part of my rating is due to bias. I do believe that Minnie Dean was guilty of murdering the children. Because of this I found that I couldn't sympathise with Minnie. Parallel to Minnie's story is that of Rev. Lindsay who's parish included Invercargill Gaol. He attended Minnie. I'm not sure that his chapters really added anything except as a vehicle for Minnie's story (she was sharing it with him)and as a gauge to public opinion. I would still recommend this book because it is well written and is an interesting story.
August 26, 2014
This is the retelling of the events leading up to the hanging of Minnie Deans, the only woman in New Zealand history ever to be hanged.
It's the sort of story which is the thing of legend and lore in NZ but what do we really know about the events leading to her conviction? I was really intrigued by the research into the allegations of 'baby farming' in early New Zealand colonial life and after reading this book, based on Minnie's own writings, I'm not sure she was guilty of the alleged murders. Food for thought.
Well worth reading, and pondering on all the issues surrounding unwanted pregnancies, the death penalty and colonial life.
It's the sort of story which is the thing of legend and lore in NZ but what do we really know about the events leading to her conviction? I was really intrigued by the research into the allegations of 'baby farming' in early New Zealand colonial life and after reading this book, based on Minnie's own writings, I'm not sure she was guilty of the alleged murders. Food for thought.
Well worth reading, and pondering on all the issues surrounding unwanted pregnancies, the death penalty and colonial life.
August 29, 2012
I was really looking forward to reading this book, but I struggled with the fact of it being fiction in some places and facts in others. A positive, was being able to picture the places and the way Minnie Dean travelled to, growing up locally it was easy to place where she had been and 'The Larches'. It would be a really hard ask, writing a novel about such a well known horrific crime but I found it difficult to gel with the characters, as in the back of my mind I was left wondering what part of that is fact or fiction.
March 18, 2012
this was a fascinating account of Minnie Deans' murder trial and subsequent hanging, but I felt that, for a novel, it got bogged down in the detail too much sometimes. All the to-ing and fro-ing with the babies was confusing and the names were all to similar to be able to keep track of the comings and goings.
December 30, 2014
Really interesting fictionalised account of the infamous Minnie Dean and her crimes. Seems very thoroughly researched. A fascinating insight into NZ social history. Gets a little confusing with all the different children and parents (although calling most of them "parents" gives them more status than they deserve).
October 27, 2013
Fascinating novel about Minnie Dean, based on Minnie's own papers, material from the 'Papers Past' website and the Alexander Turnbull Library's resources. It certainly made me think about the 'accepted wisdom' about her guilt......
May 19, 2013
Just couldn't get into this book, had to give up around page 100.
July 15, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this first person account of the ill fated Minnie Dean. It is a sympathetic but unromanticized account of her life as a "baby farmer" as her detractors called her.
February 1, 2015
An interesting account of part of NZ history that I hadn't heard much of before. Well written and easy to read. :)
January 13, 2017
The story of Minnie Dean has fascinated me for awhile, so when I saw this book for sale in a second hand shop, I didn't hesitate to buy it.
April 10, 2013
I am reluctant to fault NZ history novels, so I won't.......
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May 18, 2015Very interesting book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews