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Nell
Nell is born to a new century, her life forged in the expanses of the New Zealand High Country. She yearns to go beyond the confines of family expectation and vows to keep alive the flame of her inner freedom. Yet that freedom is tested: by her husband’s pride and the rigours of family life on a Maniototo sheep station.
Her trust is betrayed. Another love must be reckoned with. Tragedy befalls her.
Two wars, a pandemic and the Depression keep Nell tethered by duty. Is it even possible for a woman of Nell’s era to carve her own path?
Nell dares to step beyond the bounds; she revels and stumbles in love; encounters the perils of a woman’s life and of motherhood; she embraces the consolation of friendship and seeks a worldview that can hold it all.
Her trust is betrayed. Another love must be reckoned with. Tragedy befalls her.
Two wars, a pandemic and the Depression keep Nell tethered by duty. Is it even possible for a woman of Nell’s era to carve her own path?
Nell dares to step beyond the bounds; she revels and stumbles in love; encounters the perils of a woman’s life and of motherhood; she embraces the consolation of friendship and seeks a worldview that can hold it all.
345 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2024
19 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Todd
25 books12 followersTodd, Penelope (1958- ) spent her first thirty years in Christchurch, and now lives in Dunedin. She works freelance as a manuscript consultant and editor.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 25, 2025
While this is probably an accurate depiction of life for women in the 1900s, this book was not for me.
I did enjoy the South Island setting, since you don't see that very often.
I did enjoy the South Island setting, since you don't see that very often.
June 5, 2024
Exquisite character-study novel following the whole life of woman through personal challenges and the upheavals of the 20th century.
September 28, 2024
You could read this book just for the sake of getting a wonderfully intimate look at a woman’s life in early 20th century New Zealand, historical fiction at its finest. A must-read if you are traveling there.
But you can also read it to be refreshed by the profound and honest descriptions of marriage, by the revelations that women experience when they talk with each other, by the challenge of deepening life through meditation.
Some examples:
on marriage
“…they have done their work upon one another. Chiselled, abraded, chipped and smoothed. Angered and soothed, antagonized and calmed. Known, awoken, integrated and interlocked.”
On what women are able to say to each other:
‘I suppose most of us live with intermittent, thwarted longings. And most of the time I’m too busy to be troubled by that side of things.’
And meditation, and inner work
“…sometimes, out of the blue, wonder and gladness ignite in her, burning like the pure straight flame on a Bunsen burner, impelled up from the belly, stoked in the heart, and driven on into the ethers. She herself is both the glass vessel in which this occurs, and the one who observe it”
But you can also read it to be refreshed by the profound and honest descriptions of marriage, by the revelations that women experience when they talk with each other, by the challenge of deepening life through meditation.
Some examples:
on marriage
“…they have done their work upon one another. Chiselled, abraded, chipped and smoothed. Angered and soothed, antagonized and calmed. Known, awoken, integrated and interlocked.”
On what women are able to say to each other:
‘I suppose most of us live with intermittent, thwarted longings. And most of the time I’m too busy to be troubled by that side of things.’
And meditation, and inner work
“…sometimes, out of the blue, wonder and gladness ignite in her, burning like the pure straight flame on a Bunsen burner, impelled up from the belly, stoked in the heart, and driven on into the ethers. She herself is both the glass vessel in which this occurs, and the one who observe it”
January 21, 2025
Where do I start - this is a beautiful book which I absolutely love.
For me the first connection with the story was my grandmother who was born in 1902, 5 years later than the central character Nell, and also grew up in rural New Zealand. Gran was married to a veteran of WWI, and raised 7 children, with many similarities to Nell’s life, albeit in different parts of the country, e.g. doing the laundry in the copper, being a competent horsewoman, and all the toil of running a farm household.
Next was the wonderful writing, and all the small details, thoughtfully described which anchor this book in New Zealand 20th century life. Children playing outside, the connection through letters, the new phone, the food. The social norms of the day, the way a room was prepared for a guest’s visit, with flowers, something my own mother did all her life. As well as bolder observations about the challenge of young love in the 1920’s. “At church, and in divinity lessons, reinforced by parental expectation, the one path was outlined: of chaperoned outings (stilted conversations and longing looks) before semi-chaperoned engagement (aunt leaves the room to make cup of tea so that brief kisses might be exchanged), before marriage and consummation.”
Penelope Todd’s style in this book, a life year by year, was like being taken by the hand and led on a journey.
Some things are so very different for women today, myself included. Education, careers, equality in family decision making, oh the list goes on. Here was insight into who women in earlier generations got through with fewer avenues open to them. Nell gardened.
As a woman in my fifties whose children recently left home, I could relate to her casting about for things to occupy herself, like the croquet.
And then there is Nell herself. All her reflections and poignant observations at different stages of her life. Too many to write out but here are a few:
“Nell sends her thoughts into her boots and the pungent earth scents they release from the track, to the sweet array of foliage pressing up and sounding forth all the notes of green, moss and ferns, vines and creepers, stripings and trees, all alike clinging to the steep slope, Today she will, she must, find every scrap of the happiness available to her.
“ Guilt (that the twins are using the old bedding that does nothing for the mauve curtains in their room) she pushes from her. She knows at last what she needs and will not be badgered into good works or sociability when her soul cries out for beauty or silence.”
“ ‘Plenty of ponies. Is that a good name?’
‘It sounds like one I’d want to read.’
Grace crouches over the table. The P takes up a quarter of the cover. The y has to be made very slender. There’s no room for i, e or s, so they go on the inside cover. Nell smiles, remembering . What a job it is to find proportion in life, to make room alongside all that’s inevitable for what’s wanted or needed for one’s own sake. And then, of course, more than half the knack is to learn what can be left out. Plenty of Pon has its own charm.”
Highly recommend this book.
For me the first connection with the story was my grandmother who was born in 1902, 5 years later than the central character Nell, and also grew up in rural New Zealand. Gran was married to a veteran of WWI, and raised 7 children, with many similarities to Nell’s life, albeit in different parts of the country, e.g. doing the laundry in the copper, being a competent horsewoman, and all the toil of running a farm household.
Next was the wonderful writing, and all the small details, thoughtfully described which anchor this book in New Zealand 20th century life. Children playing outside, the connection through letters, the new phone, the food. The social norms of the day, the way a room was prepared for a guest’s visit, with flowers, something my own mother did all her life. As well as bolder observations about the challenge of young love in the 1920’s. “At church, and in divinity lessons, reinforced by parental expectation, the one path was outlined: of chaperoned outings (stilted conversations and longing looks) before semi-chaperoned engagement (aunt leaves the room to make cup of tea so that brief kisses might be exchanged), before marriage and consummation.”
Penelope Todd’s style in this book, a life year by year, was like being taken by the hand and led on a journey.
Some things are so very different for women today, myself included. Education, careers, equality in family decision making, oh the list goes on. Here was insight into who women in earlier generations got through with fewer avenues open to them. Nell gardened.
As a woman in my fifties whose children recently left home, I could relate to her casting about for things to occupy herself, like the croquet.
And then there is Nell herself. All her reflections and poignant observations at different stages of her life. Too many to write out but here are a few:
“Nell sends her thoughts into her boots and the pungent earth scents they release from the track, to the sweet array of foliage pressing up and sounding forth all the notes of green, moss and ferns, vines and creepers, stripings and trees, all alike clinging to the steep slope, Today she will, she must, find every scrap of the happiness available to her.
“ Guilt (that the twins are using the old bedding that does nothing for the mauve curtains in their room) she pushes from her. She knows at last what she needs and will not be badgered into good works or sociability when her soul cries out for beauty or silence.”
“ ‘Plenty of ponies. Is that a good name?’
‘It sounds like one I’d want to read.’
Grace crouches over the table. The P takes up a quarter of the cover. The y has to be made very slender. There’s no room for i, e or s, so they go on the inside cover. Nell smiles, remembering . What a job it is to find proportion in life, to make room alongside all that’s inevitable for what’s wanted or needed for one’s own sake. And then, of course, more than half the knack is to learn what can be left out. Plenty of Pon has its own charm.”
Highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2024
Thoughtfully, carefully and seamlessly written, this record of the inner life (beginning with a description of her own arrival into the world as a baby) of a sensitive, intelligent and insightful woman navigating the social mores and rigours of life in Aotearoa New Zealand through a large part of the twentieth century, is a rewarding read.
Through Nell’s eyes, we get a personal glimpse into the unfolding social history of New Zealand as a relatively young, colonised country and the novel doesn’t shirk from describing the various challenges Nell faced and how she faced them, often through self-sacrifice. I don’t blame her for the occasional sharp remark and am in total awe of her lifelong restraint.
As Nell’s life story unfolded, it caused me to consider all the quiet, strong women of that time in our modern history —women who were held back from living the life they truly aspired to. In that way, Nell could be considered an archetype of the age in which the book is set (1920's through to 1970's).
The novel Nell also touches on the power of generational influences and how our descendants carry the potential to become the ultimate reward for having lived a good life well—especially one threaded through with the setbacks, frustration and difficult choices such as Nell’s life often reflected.
Peppering Nell's story are the strong personalities who surrounded her as she grew up and matured, with the portrayal of her childhood, young adulthood, marriage and the subsequent evolving personalities of her children providing the novel’s pace and tension. The people in her life provide her with challenges and annoyances, spurs and resistance. But also rewards and causes for celebration. In places, Nell’s sixth sense; her fey-ness; her intuitive nature; adds a quietly unsettling and mysterious aspect to the book.
Nell’s love of place and nature—always her go-to for release and escape—is portrayed with beautiful descriptions of the high country of New Zealand’s inland South Island. This comfort of place provides deep solace for Nell.
The personal tragedy Nell suffered and how this shaped her later life, adds even more depth to this absorbing read. My heart often bled for her and how unappreciated she often was. A lot of Nell's silent, hard work appeared to be taken for granted. I wondered if this was what it was like for most (all) women of that generation? However, we are led to conclude that in the end, Nell's life was full and rich and one to be celebrated. As a life should be, whatever and however it is made up.
Through Nell’s eyes, we get a personal glimpse into the unfolding social history of New Zealand as a relatively young, colonised country and the novel doesn’t shirk from describing the various challenges Nell faced and how she faced them, often through self-sacrifice. I don’t blame her for the occasional sharp remark and am in total awe of her lifelong restraint.
As Nell’s life story unfolded, it caused me to consider all the quiet, strong women of that time in our modern history —women who were held back from living the life they truly aspired to. In that way, Nell could be considered an archetype of the age in which the book is set (1920's through to 1970's).
The novel Nell also touches on the power of generational influences and how our descendants carry the potential to become the ultimate reward for having lived a good life well—especially one threaded through with the setbacks, frustration and difficult choices such as Nell’s life often reflected.
Peppering Nell's story are the strong personalities who surrounded her as she grew up and matured, with the portrayal of her childhood, young adulthood, marriage and the subsequent evolving personalities of her children providing the novel’s pace and tension. The people in her life provide her with challenges and annoyances, spurs and resistance. But also rewards and causes for celebration. In places, Nell’s sixth sense; her fey-ness; her intuitive nature; adds a quietly unsettling and mysterious aspect to the book.
Nell’s love of place and nature—always her go-to for release and escape—is portrayed with beautiful descriptions of the high country of New Zealand’s inland South Island. This comfort of place provides deep solace for Nell.
The personal tragedy Nell suffered and how this shaped her later life, adds even more depth to this absorbing read. My heart often bled for her and how unappreciated she often was. A lot of Nell's silent, hard work appeared to be taken for granted. I wondered if this was what it was like for most (all) women of that generation? However, we are led to conclude that in the end, Nell's life was full and rich and one to be celebrated. As a life should be, whatever and however it is made up.
June 5, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and think it's the best yet from this author. An historical fiction, but largely based on the life of the author's grandmother, it has an incredible amount of period detail and was clearly well-researched. It follows the main character, Nell, from her arrival into the world, through the first half of the 20th century, and to her final days, spent in Dunedin. I loved the sheep station scenes and the boarding school and wartime depictions. The main characters were so well written, and the tender, poignant details about their lives were so relatable. I found the structure very appealing, with each short chapter capturing a scene, or a selection of significant moments, from one year of Nell's life.
June 5, 2024
Nell is the much anticipated new novel from Dunedin-based author Penelope Todd. She brings us a compelling and fully-realised portrait of Nell, her strong-willed, compassionate and free-spirited grandmother. Nell is a woman determined to live an aligned life despite the constraints of her era (NZ in the early 1900s) and the considerable odds stacked against her. This finely-drawn, perfectly paced novel invites unhurried reading. Todd's writing is exquisitely subtle, her eye and heart for detail unerringly true. I met in Nell an intriguing, complex and lovable woman with a rich inner life. An immensely satisfying read.
June 8, 2024
I relished every moment immersed in Penelope Todd's exquisite story of "Nell"!
This insightful writer not only draws out a vivid picture of a challenging life, but also, equally - Nell's rich inner character. "Nell" is a wonderful slice of New Zealand's history and development. I loved reading this book for the story and writing style. The themes are universal.
Penelope Todd is a gifted writer, one of New Zealand's finest authors! An absolute joy to read, I highly recommend "Nell".
This insightful writer not only draws out a vivid picture of a challenging life, but also, equally - Nell's rich inner character. "Nell" is a wonderful slice of New Zealand's history and development. I loved reading this book for the story and writing style. The themes are universal.
Penelope Todd is a gifted writer, one of New Zealand's finest authors! An absolute joy to read, I highly recommend "Nell".
June 4, 2024
Penelope Todd describes the life of her grandmother; stoic and compassionate Nell, a young woman frustrated by the restrictions imposed on her by society, and her journey through grief, despair, and compassion to acceptance and an inner peace. A beautufully crafted, quiet novel that is a pleasure to read.
https://www.penelopetodd.co.nz/nell/
https://www.penelopetodd.co.nz/nell/
June 19, 2024
Reading Nell is like drinking cool fresh water from a mountain stream. This is beautiful writing. As you read, you live alongside Nell and enter the wild landscape of the Maniototo plains. Penelope Todd is a writer you can trust. Nell is a book to savour and return to. This is a book of true heart and hard won wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews