In late 1918, in the immediate wake of the Great War, an influenza pandemic was raging. During the two months of the pandemic New Zealand lost 9,000 people to the disease—this was equivalent to around half the number who had been lost in the whole course of the war.
Among those who died was Margaret Cruickshank, New Zealand’s first registered woman doctor.
From 1897 Dr Cruickshank worked in the South Island town of Waimate, in practice with a Dr Barclay. When the epidemic struck Waimate, Dr Barclay was still away on active service, and Margaret was managing the practice on her own. Her driver fell ill, but she continued to travel the district, by horse and gig or by bicycle, doing what she could for the sick. She cooked meals and even milked cows for some of her patients, in households where there was no one else to help.
By the time she caught influenza herself, her strength had been badly depleted. She died on 28 November 1918, one hundred years ago today. She was much-loved in Waimate, and in 1923 its residents had a marble statue erected in her memory, inscribed with:
Faithful unto Death
My book After the Roses is set in part during this period, and the pandemic strikes at Daisy’s family, as it did so many in real life. Readers might recall Richard telling Daisy of this doctor, one of the fourteen known to have lost their lives while caring for patients during the epidemic. While I didn’t consciously have Margaret Cruickshank in mind when I gave Daisy (whose formal name is Margaret) her name, I’m glad that she shares a name with—and plans to follow in the footsteps of—this inspirational woman.
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Shayne,
That is just one more reason I love your books! They have true ties to history and are so well written you feel as if your there at the very moment in time.
One day maybe I will get to visit your beautiful area.
Devoted Fan
Kay J
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Thank you, Shayne, for this new book. I’m excited about it and hoping to find it to read soon.
You are very good with the way you explain the history in New Zealand.
Thanks again
Heather
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I thoroughly enjoy how you weave history into your wonderful books.
Like so many others, I am anxiously awaiting to read about Daisy and Eddie’s separate futures. Daisy crying on the way to her continued education courses of study with the fresh, painful realization of hers and Eddie’s relationship future is as fresh on my mind as when I closed the last page.
I am looking forward to reading about Amy’s half brothers as well plus hoping that her “memorable’ stepmother learns to at least appreciate our lovable Amy.
Please keep writing. Readers like me relish your talents and experiencing New Zealand through your words.
Thanks,
Linda
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I’m looking forward to reading “After the Roses,” after reading the previous five novels. You have an engaging way of weaving so many matter-of-fact details about your characters that enrich our understanding of their lives, appearance and mien. I hope to see multiple episodes produced and acted.
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Is there another book after #6 After the Roses?? In the series
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Hi, Roberta. Not yet, but there will be!
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Shayne, I have read this series and love it. I’m reading After the Roses now. In the introductions there is some thing about a family tree. I can’t seem to find it? Is After the Roses the last of the series out?
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Thanks so much, Becky, that’s great to hear.
The family trees are here: https://www.shayneparkinson.com/family-trees/
“After the Roses” is the last of the series currently available, but there will be more!
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Hi Shayne,
I’ve read the Sentence of Marriage series and the two of Daisy’s stories twice now. They are part of my very favorite collection. Thank you so much. Will you be giving us another book to continue Daisy’s story?
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Hi Laura,
Yes, there’s definitely more to come with Daisy’s story!
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Pleaseeee tell me your close to releasing your next book in the series. I have read the entire series over and over for years and the next books usually come out at a fairly reasonable pace but I’m still waiting on the next installment of this book and the wait is driving me crazy lol.
Your devoted fan
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Oh, how I wish I could tell you that, Ashley! A few nights ago I actually dreamed I’d finished it, and it was quite a disappointment to wake up and remember 🙂
It’s taken me longer to get the next book out this time around, for various reasons. The current work-in-progress *is* coming along well, but it’s still some way off being released.
Thank you very much for your enthusiasm, and for being a re-reader!
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Hi Shayne,
Have been reading through these books again. Thank you so much for writing them!
Sounds like the flu epidemic we hear about in After the Roses is the one I’ve heard referred to recently – as the last time we had anything approaching what we have now with the corona virus – happened @100 years ago, after WW1.
I will be delighted when your next book comes out!!!
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Thanks, MKM!
When I was researching and writing “After the Roses”, I did not expect that we’d be experiencing another frightening pandemic so soon after the centenary of the 1918 one.
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Thanks so much for your books. They really help.
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I love these series I could put my kindle down. I found myself so wrapped up in the book I needed tissue close by!!
Is there a follow up to see how Daisy gets on in her 1st yr at Uni living with Sarah & Granny Amy & Any her does she achieve her dream of becoming a doctor? If so when’s it out? What’s the title?
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Hi Pauline,
That’s just what I’m working on at the moment! Now “Tom and George” has been released, I’ve started on the next “Daisy” book.
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When is the follow up book to ” After the Roses ” due to come out? I felt it ended with a lot of story left to tell. Please tell me there IS another book to come.
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Hi Kelly,
Yes, there will be more to come of Daisy’s story. I’m currently working on a book about Amy’s younger brothers, Tom and George, and when that’s completed I’ll be returning to Daisy. This won’t be for a while yet, unfortunately, but I definitely plan to take her further on her journey. Thanks for your patience :).
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Shayne,
I have so thoroughly enjoyed reading both series of books. You truly bring the characters to life.
A scene in After the Roses when Maudie’s mom and sister bring food they’ve picked and made for her makes me think of my own family, especially my mom, who always seems to have an extra frozen chicken breast or a dozen eggs on hand to give when we stop by the house for a visit.
I even retold this scene to my mom who responded with a huge, knowing smile. I’m anticipating the release of your next book and can’t wait to read more.
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Thanks so much, Sandi. Yes, food can be a way of showing love – as it clearly is with your mother!
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Hi Shayne! Thank you so much for creating these books. I’ve only recently discovered them, and just finished After the Roses this afternoon. From looking at the other comments, I’m relieved to see that there’s more to Daisy’s journey. I’ve learned so much about turn of the century life on a dairy farm! Love it! Man, those women worked hard with few idle moments. They were strong.
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I am a new fan! I love your story telling abilities and feel as if I know all of the characters very well.
I have read all books in the series now (including Tom and George) and am anxiously awaiting your next!
Oh have also inspired me to learn more about New Zealand. Would love to visit your country someday!