Even as a four-year-old, Di Morris felt drawn to the writing desk at her great-aunt Marjorie's house.
It wasn't just any desk - it was a red lacquered cabinet from Meiji-era Japan, with embossed gilt painted panels of Japanese scenes.
It was stuffed full of letters, postcards and photos - which later piqued Di's curiosity about her family's history.
She was particularly interested in Elsie Balfour, a young woman who grew up on a farm near Pleasant Point in South Canterbury but graduated in 1902 as a doctor from Edinburgh University.
Elsie's life and that of her sister Margaret have been explored in Di's new book, The Writing Desk.
It's in graphic novel form - all drawn by Di herself - in a labour of family love that took some 13 months.
Photo: Supplied: Bateman Books
