The Witch's Thorn
A New Zealand novel from Ruth Park, the first American edition
Author
Ruth Park
Publisher
Houghton, Mifflin & Co, Boston, 1952
Printing Details
First US edition, hardback in dustwrapper. 18.5 × 12.5cm, 209pp.
After the death of her grandmother, Bethell moves from one family to another in the sleepy New Zealand township of Te Kano. She stays with the curt German hotel-keeper, with the fat prissy grocer and his moralistic wife, with her aunt, the town's 'bad woman.' But it is not until her father, Johnny Gow—the witch's thorn—reclaims her that she truly knows despair. Bethell's only hope of escaping her father's curse lies with the warm and loving Wi family.
Condition
The book is in good condition, with some tanning to the page but the binding is secure. The wrapper is lightly chipped and creased to the edges but remains attractive.