Secrets of the Land

Secrets of the Land by Kate Mahony weaves a compelling narrative that spans generations and continents, richly exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the haunting echoes of history. Imogen Maguire, a former journalist now living a routine life in Melbourne, has her world turned upside down when a cryptic encounter with a stranger reveals an astonishing secret: her grandfather, long believed to be dead, is alive and urgently needs her help in New Zealand.

Driven by a deep-seated sense of duty and curiosity, Imogen embarks on a journey to Taranaki, a land shrouded in mystery and history. She finds herself in a rural landscape where her grandfather is being threatened, his farm targeted by unknown forces bent on driving him away. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Imogen uncovers a tapestry of family secrets and historical resentments.

A shadow lingers over her grandfather's land, stretching back to 1864. During this time, two young Irishmen joined the British army’s struggle against the Taranaki Māori, a decision that would set off a chain of events echoing through generations. In 1975, Imogen's grandparents arrived in this tumultuous land, seeking refuge from their troubled past in Ireland. Their daughter Aoife, Imogen’s mother, struggled to adapt, longing for the home she left behind.

Amidst this backdrop, Imogen's investigation intertwines with a historical journey, from the two Irishmen entrapped in colonial conflicts to her mother’s own expatriation, revealing the striking parallels between their lives and her own. As Imogen uncovers the truth, she confronts the notions of heritage, the inescapable ties of blood, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

Secrets of the Land is a poignant exploration of family and perseverance, a story that deftly navigates personal and historical terrains, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring connections that bind us to both land and legacy.