In the Land of the Long White Cloud

In the Land of the Long White Cloud Saga, Book 1

By: Sarah Lark, D.W Lovett - translator

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 22 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Hardworking London governess Helen Davenport longs for a family of her own but knows the prospect of finding a suitable husband grows dimmer each year. Then she spots an advertisement seeking wives for the churchgoing bachelors of colonial New Zealand and begins an affectionate correspondence with a gentleman farmer.

Meanwhile, not far away in Wales, society life bores Gwyneira Silkham, beautiful, daring daughter of a wealthy sheep breeder. She finds an unexpected escape when her father loses a blackjack hand to a mysterious New Zealand baron — and Gwyn’s hand in marriage goes to the baron’s son.The women cross paths on the ship to Christchurch — Helen traveling steerage, Gwyn first class — and form an unlikely friendship, one they’ll rely on when the husbands awaiting them turn out very different than they’d imagined.

This nineteenth-century saga of two unforgettable young women — navigating a new world and finding friendship, romance, and adventure at every turn — is as lush and sweeping as the hills of New Zealand themselves.

Public Domain (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Well Told Tale of Life in 19th Century New Zealand

I loved this honestly told story of the immigrants who came to New Zealand . . . Helen, the governess, who answered an advertisement to come from England to New Zealand to find a husband . . . and Gwyneira, who is coming from Wales to meet her husband. Gwyneira's father, a sheep breeder, who has gambled away his daughter's dowry, has now gambled his daughter's hand in marriage to save his sheep farm. Helen and Gwyniera become friends on the three month sea voyage from England to New Zealand, and so do the orphans that are traveling with Helen. I see that many of the reviews of In the Land of the Long White Cloud are mixed or negative . . . I highly disagree. Having listened to Bryce Courtney's books about Australia and New Zealand and the Maori tribes, (all of which I highly recommend), I find Sarah Lark's writing much gentler. Her treatment of many subjects (abuse of women by men, homosexuality, infidelity, sexual scenes, whore houses) are well written, but not down played or white washed. These things, as much as we all wish they weren't, were facts of life in 19th century New Zealand . . . The genuine friendships formed between the women, the pioneer spirit, the settling of the land and the GOOD of many people, including the Maori tribes, shine through. A love of learning and biblical truth abound, as well as unveiling the wolves in sheeps' clothing. I am already listening the the next book in the trilogy.

One of my favorite series ever

What did you love best about In the Land of the Long White Cloud?

It was wonderfully written. I was thankful that the stories were very long, because I didn't want them to ever end. I was guessing what would happen next the whole time. I love stories that are not predictable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Land of the Long White Cloud?

I don't want to give any of the story line away. Let's just say, when Gweneira was confronted by her father-in-law about not fulfilling her obligations.

Which character – as performed by Anne Flosnik – was your favorite?

Helen. She had such strength to leave her home on her own. She was a good and loyal friend, well loved by all who knew her. Life was rough for her, but she was always thankful. I loved her spirit.

If you could take any character from In the Land of the Long White Cloud out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Helen, of course. See above comment.

Any additional comments?

Get this series. You won't be disappointed.

Spectacular

This story and narration was absolutely divine! With the twists and turns of the plot, the rich depth of characters and stunning visual created by the story telling, I was completely hooked and couldn't stop listening until I reached the very end.

Great narration and compelling storytelling!

Wonderful story and very well written Could not stop listening. Will be doing the sequel.

In the land of the long White cloud

Thank you for the privilege of listening to this book. This is a story of the strong women of that time period.

Good story

I am looking forward to starting the next book in the series. Very enjoyable story.

Great story - Great reader

Very good story - interesting and tidy ending - only predictable after the fact. The reader seems to be more consistent in the male voices than the female voices but not too distracting. Looking forward to starting book 2

Narration

I almost didn't listen to this book because the narration drove me nuts. It was like chinese, English and a bad man voice. Although I got interested in the book and toughed it out. I will avoid this narration tho.

agreat story. Grating voice

It was a great adventure. I just had a lot of trouble tolerating the voice actor.

Excellent and entertaining

Great book. Would make a good TV Series. The author makes you feel like you are there with them. Easy to get lost in it.