Rosemary Baird’s *The Middle of Nowhere* Celebrated as Best Book

The illustrated book *The Middle of Nowhere: Stories of working in the Manapōuri hydro project* by Rosemary Baird has received accolades, being named the best illustrated nonfiction book of the year. The recognition highlights Baird’s extensive work chronicling the experiences of individuals involved in the Manapōuri hydro scheme, a significant engineering feat in New Zealand’s history.

In her introduction, Baird reflects on the oral history interview with Frank Pawson that served as the catalyst for the book. Over nearly a decade, she gathered 18 archival oral histories from men and women who dedicated their lives to the Manapōuri project. The journey toward publication was fraught with challenges, from initial self-doubt to financial pressures stemming from a writing grant she received in 2016 from the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Baird recalls the early days of her writing process, which she managed in brief periods between childcare commitments. Despite the slow progress, she remained hopeful with a publisher expressing initial interest. However, in 2021, after submitting her manuscript, she faced rejection due to concerns it was too regional and lacked academic rigor. This setback left Baird in a precarious position, as she had already spent a substantial portion of her grant on transcription and equipment.

Three motivating factors encouraged her to persevere. Firstly, the memory of advice from her history teacher during her final school year, who cautioned her about the inevitability of encountering failure. Secondly, the potential financial implications of returning her grant money loomed large. Lastly, support from trusted friends and family, particularly Anna Knox and her sister Kathryn, propelled her forward.

Baird revised her manuscript and resubmitted it to various publishers. After multiple rejections, she finally received a positive response from Canterbury University Press, culminating in a contract signing. The guidance from her editor, Anna Rogers, was invaluable in refining the work, while the expertise of her publisher’s team ensured the book’s quality in design and content.

The launch event at the Canterbury University Bookshop was a remarkable occasion for Baird, as she witnessed the public’s interest and enthusiasm for her work. Conversations during a talk at the Word Festival revealed the profound emotional connection some readers had with the book, notably one older man who found new insights into his father’s past.

Baird initially approached the project with modest expectations, aware that regional history books typically attract niche audiences. However, the sales performance exceeded her predictions, leading to a modest reprint by her publisher.

Reflecting on the time taken to publish, Baird expressed regret that a third of her interviewees had passed away before they could see their stories in print. She has since received heartfelt messages from families of the interviewees, underscoring the impact of her work in preserving and sharing their histories.

The book not only showcases personal narratives but also serves as a testament to the remarkable engineering accomplishments of the Manapōuri project, constructed between 1963 and 1971. Baird’s efforts have allowed a new generation to explore the legacy of these massive hydro schemes and the lives intertwined with their creation.

In a postscript, writer Steve Braunias praised the book’s stunning photographs, capturing the labor and triumph of the era. He noted that the text provides a deep exploration of both the challenges faced by workers and the achievements of the project, including the tragic loss of life during its construction.

*The Middle of Nowhere: Stories of working in the Manapōuri hydro project* is available for $59.99 at bookstores nationwide and is recommended for anyone interested in New Zealand’s social history and engineering heritage. As it competes for further recognition in upcoming literary awards, Baird’s work continues to resonate with readers, solidifying its place in the annals of regional history.