Strangerland

One family’s life on the front line of Victorian India and New Zealand

In 1853 the Gascoyne family emigrated from the East India Company to become pioneers in New Zealand. After unearthing an extraordinary collection of unpublished memoirs and letters, Helena Drysdale travelled in pursuit of her cousins, finding a forgotten world of endeavour and hardship in New Zealand’s back bush. She uncovered tales of war, adultery, and the Plymouth Brethren, and when the family was joined by their nephew Bamber, more drama lay in store.

With beautiful nineteenth century photographs and paintings, and contemporary views, ranging from India to the remote Chatham Islands, we discover a hitherto untold and intriguing side to our colonial past.

‘ You really do speak very well indeed.’ Colonel John Blashford Snell, Operation Raleigh

Some Impressions

‘ Exceptionally good. In fact, outstanding.’ Bruton Festival of Arts

‘Really good – and it provoked some great audience participation.’ Frome Festival

Book a talk: info@helenadrysdale.com

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