The Day She Cradled Me

This is a highly readable debut novel of the life of one of New Zealand’s most notorious criminals and the only woman ever to be hanged in this country. Minnie Dean was sentenced to death after being found guilty of murdering the babies and children she was being paid to care for and de Bazin attempts to look beyond the myth of the notorious murderess to find a human being. For the most part she is successful. Minnie comes across as a woman determined to survive no matter what hardship she suffers but had I been on the jury I would have probably found her guilty too. I found the most sympathetic character in the novel to be Reverend Lindsay, the vicar who risks alienating his parish by offering Minnie comfort in her last days. It’s an extremely accomplished debut novel and a wonderful work of historical fiction.

A compelling story of an infamous lady whose deeds are often brought to our notice even now. Driving past the Winton cemetery, where Minnie's grave (only recently marked) is, I find the whole experience very eerie when we all know how she died - and more importantly why. Great book.

Wow sounds like a interesting book just having a baby myself I find it hard to think why someone could kill their children it's definitely going on the wish list for Christmas!

An amazing and interesting read. It was hard not to feel some emotion and pity for Minnie Dean. This is a book that leaves you with many questions and at times thinking was she as guilty as she was made out to be. Would recommend this book.

Having studied early childhood education for the past three years Minnie Dean's name came up a couple of times, listening to other people's opinions about Minnie Dean was shocking. After reading this book I now have a different opinion about Minnie Dean. A very interesting read that changed my mind about her dealings. Well worth the time readings this book.

when I saw this book advertised I thought I must have it as it always has been of interest to me and when my daughter gave me a voucher for my birthday I went out and got it.It has totally changed my mind about the whole history of Minnie society back then was so cruel this book reduced me to tears as I felt so sorry for her the way she was treated who wouldn't panic if little ones died suddenly and the retrial was just a farce new evidence not allowed to be used thank you Kerre for the review & Sacha De Bazin for putting it all together thoroughly enjoyed every page & I will be reading it again I even brought a copy for my sister-in law in Australia for her up-coming birthday she also was delighted. Violet Keen

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and had a job putting it down to do some chores. It made me realise I knew very little of the truth of Minnie Dean. Great read.

This is a great read. Very well written. Highly recommended.

This a a story I remember hearing as a child and would very much like to read the full story.
Kathleen Emmerson

Kerre's description of this novel makes it an impelling read for me. To try and understand the question "why"for me is the very reason to read this book. It will certainly go onto my book wish list.

Absorbing read. A slight element of doubt about Minnies guilt and motives are thought provoking. The novel was very interesting and well written - I see the author is writing a second novel - great!