The Nine Lives of Kitty K: The Unsung Heroine of the Goldfields

by Margaret Mills

Set in a turbulent period of goldfields’ history, The Nine Lives of Kitty K. paints a vivid picture of pioneer life as told by the sons and daughters of those who lived it and survived the terrible Depression of the 1890s. Kitty Kirk (1855–1930), arguably the toughest woman in Otago history, endured those times, supporting herself as a woman alone.Happiness was followed by tragedy, fame by infamy, and the circle was repeated more than once. Some locals called her a heroine, others called her a harlot. Whichever she was, she became a legend in her own lifetime for her daring deeds that are still remembered and talked about ninety years after her death.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2021

About the author

Margaret Mills is a professional technical writer and editor; branching into narrative fiction seemed like a natural extension of the pleasure that writing has always been for her. A California resident, Maggie enjoys hiking in the nearby hills, reading, walking the dog on the beach, and writing with her co-author, Tedi Ward. Maggie met Tedi in a writers' group, and their personalities mix almost as well as their characters' do; they enjoy writing the kinds of stories they love to read.

Her most exciting adventure involved a brief but thrilling skydiving habit. Her next exciting adventure involves a trip to Yosemite National Park where she'll be hiking Half Dome with her husband of twenty-five years.

Reviews

[Philippa Mulqueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the insight into life in Southland NZ in the 19th century, I was disappointed by the flat writing style. Repetitive sentence structure and a recount approach to the story dragged it down.

[Mrs Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For readers who enjoy historical fiction, stories of strong, courageous women and are not hung up on HEA, you will love this book.

Beginning in the mid 1800’s we follow the life of Kitty Kirk (or is it Lyon or…). She leads an extraordinary life marred by tragedy, triumph, prejudice and heartbreak.

A woman ahead of her time, an inspiring pioneer.

✨gifted

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nine Lives of Kitty K was a surprisingly scandalous read! It is brutal and blunt in some of the societal 'acceptances' and hierarchies of the time which was a motif throughout the book. Kitty K's enthusiasm for life and all living things, especially animals, is a breath of fresh air throughout her story and I really enjoyed her passion and love she gave. But with the good in her life also came the bad it was heartbreaking to read about the trials and tragedies she endured over her time. This is an inspirational read for those who love historical fiction based on a true story. It has that goldrush, pioneer and cowboy-esque feel about it which I enjoyed. This book is rich in New Zealand history and made for a fantastic novel which also explored complicated family dynamics and rollercoaster relationships.

Tropes and vibes:
- Fast paced story
- Historical fiction based in Otago with world renowned Queenstown taking centre stage
- Secrets and revelations
- Excellent references and examples to key topics of its time
- A woman in a mans world
- No filter FMC (Kitty was very entertaining, especially as a child!)

4.5 ⭐️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written and published in New Zealand - Patricia Margaret Mills is the author, She now lives on Waiheke Island In the North Ireland of New Zealand.

She lived in Queenstown in the south island, and got the story from one of the old women she's delivered mail to as a bicycle-riding postie in that hilly town.

She was in her 90s when She wrote and published this book - it was her first. She Is now working on a collection of autobiographical Short Stories

[Aimee Paardekooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction based largely on one of the most infamous women in the Otago goldfish era.

Kitty's young Irish mother is forced into a shotgun marriage and relocated to New Zealand (and eventually the Otago Goldfields) to escape family disgrace. The store follows Kitty's journey of joy and tragedy to womanhood. Based on the real life Kitty K this is a true story of resilience

[Ellen Robotham · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I was super intrigued by Kitty's story which is set in a really interesting period of NZ history and clearly Kitty was shaping up to be a formidable woman but I had to stop at only the third life. The writing style was jumpy and rushed, with one-sided conversations really forcing a lot of the story. I also found it really confusing and hard to get immersed in the story as the book would suddenly skip from the "main story" to a bitsy dialogue between two random side characters which seemed to serve as a rushed way of explaining plot points and tell you what to think of the characters instead of discovering those things out in the course of the story, and then suddenly back to the main characters. Also why was Kitty's mother constantly crying? The woman literally never said anything without crying!
I think I'll just google Kitty K instead.

[Kelly Blackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at settlers in Otago in the 1800s. This book follows the story of Kitty, and insanely talented and outspoken woman who was 200 years ahead of her time.
I enjoyed the history (especially as I live in Otago) but I found it felt like a history lesson in places, and blurred the line between historical fiction and non-fiction too much in places.

[Cromwell Paper Plus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this account of a local legend - Kitty K growing up in the brutally harsh conditions of Otago Goldrush. At times it was hard reading what this women went through but her story is incredible.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of the first half but I couldn't stay interested in the 2nd half. I'm sorry I really wanted it to work. I felt a lot of name dropping of the early pioneers of the queenstown's lakes district.Hoping to finish the rest some time.

[C Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Kate Oh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love historical fiction this is for you.
Based on a true story.
Kitty K had quite a life.

[Cherrie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, had just been to New Zealand in the area the book is written

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that I enjoyed reading every minute of. Really cool that it is set in historical New Zealand, as few books are. Very pleased I discovered this :)

[Sarah Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get through this book, but loved in insight into the history. Some of the grammar and punctuation wasn’t 100% which was a little distracting but enjoyed the story overall

[Jac T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book full of history of the local area.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately too tedious for me. Like reciting a diary.

[Kirstie Wardle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story, writing style is more descriptive than engaging.

[Ruth Peddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, what a life.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read based on fact set in early Wakatipu (especially Skippers). About a remarkable woman who was very good with animals and showed great tenacity in a man's world where discrimation was the norm in many ways. Thanks to Flying Books Ltd for loaning me a copy.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story and I would have given it more stars if the copy I borrowed from the library had actually been proofread, as I found myself rereading some sentences because they didnt make sense because of a missing word or misspelt words and even having to go back a chapter because the dates were not chronologically correct and therefore confusing