The Patu

It is 1985 and London is the place to be. Twenty-four year old Lucy Kelly and two friends set off on their OE. Before Lucy leaves, her mother fastens an ancient greenstone Patu around her neck and tells her that as long as she wears it, it will keep her safe.In London the girls move into a squat and Lucy finds a waitressing job in a Greek restaurant. She falls in love with a young Basque chef, falls pregnant and is persuaded to stay in Spain until the baby is born. The farm is isolated and Basque life follows the old ways. After her daughter is born Lucy realises that she is an outsider and in danger so she flees to England with her baby.Her mother Moana flies over to help but when Lucy suddenly disappears she decides to take the baby to safety in New Zealand.Twenty-five years later when Cheryl's work takes her to Ireland, Moana gives her a box of Lucy's old letters. Cheryl uncovers new information and together they unravel the mystery of Lucy's disappearance."The Patu" is about love and loss as it affects three generations of women. The ancient Maori spirit world touches their lives in different ways as they face the challenges life throws at them.The perfect next book for your book club.