Historical novel looking at the Sth Sea Islanders who were "blackbirded" ( kidnapped) into coming to Queensland in the 1870s to cut sugar cane. Orrani is one of the few female Kanaks who takes up the white traders offer after her father promises her in marriage to an old man. This is also the story of Elizabeth, a little girl whose mother has recently died and Orrani is taken on by Lizzie's father to care for her. The book is set over a number of years showing not only the treatment of the Kanaks but also how their traditions and ideas influenced their working lives. A fascinating look at a small part of Australia's history. For older readers due to the racism and use of the "N" word.p. 182 Orrani and Sisel catch the measels and Sisel dies. ( )