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.