Raluana Lane, Raluana Lane

In 1936 young teacher Eileen Brabin takes up a post with the Methodist Mission in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. Eileen quickly feels at home in the islands, despite a volcano eruption and the unwanted attentions of an unsuitable young man. As time passes she grows close to widower Wilf Pearce, the Mission business manager, but in 1941, a Japanese invasion threatens Rabaul. The Australian government orders the evacuation of all women and children. Eileen, eight and a half months pregnant, must farewell her new husband Wilf and spend Christmas at sea. The suffering and uncertainty brought by war will have lasting repercussions on the lives of all who leave Rabaul, and all who remain behind. Based on a true story, Raluana Lane includes never-before-seen letters from Wilf Pearce detailing life in Rabaul just prior to the invasion.