The discovery of a forgotten memory chest and an exquisite china bell from underneath the floorboards of a recently demolished house in Boulder, Western Australia, leads Susan Robinson on a fascinating search to identify the original owners.

Her investigations take her back to the early 1900s and the life of Katja, a young Croatian woman who finds herself unexpectedly uprooted and thrust into a new and strange life in Western Australia from the age of 11. From Fremantle to Gwalia and Boulder, Susan gradually uncovers the adventures, tragedies, a challenging court case and life experiences of this extraordinary young woman.

The Memory Chest is a story of the resilience and bravery of the women of the Goldfields, as they faced the challenges of living in remote mining towns, the rapid changes of the early 20th century and experienced the impact of a war in Europe. It is a heartwarming story of family, loss and love.