Against the historical background of the turbulent events that surrounded the village of Parihaka in the 1870s and 1880s, Witi Ihimaera tells the fictional story of Erenora. Parihaka is a place she calls home, a peaceful Maori settlement within a changing world. As that world envelops her in war, Erenora must find within herself all the strength, courage and ingenuity to protect all those whom she loves. Like a Shakespearean heroine, she must change herself before she can embark on her greatest challenge and save her exiled husband, Horitana.