Review: Lauren Keenan’s ‘The Other Catherine’ Explores Colonial History Through Two Women
Claire Mabey reviews Lauren Keenan’s latest historical novel, The Other Catherine, which intertwines the lives of two women separated by a century. The narrative alternates between Keita, a Māori widow in 1893 Marlborough Sounds, and Catherine, an Irish convict transported from Cork in 1793. Keenan uses distinct narrative voices—first-person reflection for Keita and present-tense third-person for Catherine—to highlight their shared struggles under patriarchy and colonization. The novel serves as an ode to forgotten women, drawing from Keenan’s own whakapapa and her realization that family histories often prioritize male ancestors. As the third book published by Keenan in three years, it continues her exploration of New Zealand’s colonial past, blending fictional storytelling with rigorous historical research. The review praises Keenan’s ability to evoke atmosphere and unravel mysteries through artifacts and records, ultimately revealing the hidden connections between the protagonists. This work underscores the difficulty of unearthing women’s stories obscured by historical narratives, offering a satisfying twist grounded in real-life excavation and extensive bibliographic support.
Wire timeline
Review: Lauren Keenan’s ‘The Other Catherine’ Explores Colonial History Through Two Women
Claire Mabey reviews Lauren Keenan’s latest historical novel, The Other Catherine, which intertwines the lives of two women separated by a century. The narrative alternates between Keita, a Māori widow in 1893 Marlborough Sounds, and Catherine, an Irish convict transported from Cork in 1793. Keenan uses distinct narrative voices—first-person reflection for Keita and present-tense third-person for Catherine—to highlight their shared struggles under patriarchy and colonization. The novel serves as an ode to forgotten women, drawing from Keenan’s own whakapapa and her realization that family histories often prioritize male ancestors. As the third book published by Keenan in three years, it continues her exploration of New Zealand’s colonial past, blending fictional storytelling with rigorous historical research. The review praises Keenan’s ability to evoke atmosphere and unravel mysteries through artifacts and records, ultimately revealing the hidden connections between the protagonists. This work underscores the difficulty of unearthing women’s stories obscured by historical narratives, offering a satisfying twist grounded in real-life excavation and extensive bibliographic support.
The Spinoff