Julia Eichardt by Lauren Roche

In this fascinating historical novel, the remarkable real-life Julia Eichardt comes to life, alongside the story behind the iconic Eichardt’s Hotel in Queenstown. Julia was a hardworking, compassionate, resilient woman, and her life reflects the spirit of reinvention when the region transitioned from gold mining to tourism.

Julia first arrived in New Zealand in 1863, and she worked at The Queen’s Arms Hotel, which was originally William Rees’ woolshed. The discovery of gold changed the region, and with her husband, Albert Eichardt, they transformed the hotel that became Eichardt’s Private Hotel, which remains an enduring landmark in Queenstown.

Reading this excellent novel, the readers are reminded just how challenging life was back in the 1800s, especially for our founding women. Families faced death on a regular basis – from disease, in childbirth and from gold mining accidents. However, the region was also a magnet for dreamers and hardworking individuals, and together they created a community, despite numerous obstacles.

Julia Eichardt is a must-read for lovers of New Zealand historical fiction and peppered with other pioneers like Bendix Hallenstein and Ann Evans. The research is impeccable, and Julia Eichardt’s life shines like a hopeful beacon on the pages.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Flying Books Publishing