Author Annie Browne's riveting plot and well drawn characters delve into social and religious issues facing Australia and New Zealand beginning on New Year's Eve,1899 when the cuckoo-clock chimes away the final minutes of the century. What lies ahead in this new millennium? Will Tottie will accept Dan's decision to leave Coalville and migrate to New Zealand.
It appears to be a hopeless goal for Daniel to achieve as Tottie has become a headstrong woman who knows what she wants.