1959. Newcastle nurse Wendy Grey leaves her comfortable life and answers a call from native people to run a clinic in a place so remote, many have never before seen a white woman. Until her arrival, medical witchcraft has been the norm, but Wendy quickly gains the trust of the locals with her friendly, capable ways, and they begin flocking to her for treatment. However, when some require emergency surgery, she must also become anaesthetist and surgeon . . . or watch her patients die.
From treacherous jungle treks to tea parties with the governor; from tussles with snakes and scorpions to Scrabble with the nuns; from struggling with illness to suddenly falling in love – this unique glimpse into contrasting sides of a lost colonial world is possible thanks to Wendy's detailed diaries, written by the light of an oil lamp in her bamboo and palm-leaf house.
Back home, churches throughout the United Kingdom are praying for the brave young woman in Borneo.