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finessa's review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Based on a true story. I’m glad I bought this at a library sale for only $2. That’s all I really have to say & I think that speaks volumes.
stephaniesteen73's review
2.0
A good, quick read - some parts more enjoyable than others. The courtroom scenes were a bit dull. A good portrayal of the bonds females can make..and the ability of the human spirit to endure despite horrible conditions.
book_concierge's review
3.0
3.5***
In 1890 Henry Oades takes his wife, Margaret, and children to new Zealand when he is offered a work opportunity that is too good to pass up. Everything is fine for a while, but an uprising of the Maori natives results in his wife and children being kidnapped and his home burned. Despite efforts to find them, they are eventually presumed dead, and Henry leaves New Zealand for America. There he settles near Berkeley California and becomes a successful dairy farmer. On a trip to town he witnesses a home fire - an event that brings back memories of the loss of his family. He later visits the widow, Nancy, to offer his condolences and assure her that she will eventually recover. Eventually he and Nancy marry and begin life together on the farm.
Meanwhile, six years have passed since Margaret and the children were captured. They have been enslaved in a Maori settlement. When smallpox strikes the village, they are expelled from the compound and left to their own devices. The group makes its way back towards Wellington, only to discover that Henry has left New Zealand. Margaret writes to Henry but months pass with no response. There is nothing to do but set sail for America, and eventually they arrive in Berkeley just a few months after Henry has married Nancy.
Henry and Nancy are stunned, but welcome the ragtag group into their home. The townspeople, however, are not so compassionate; they react with disgust that a bigamist is in their midst.
The novel is based on a case the author's father discovered in the legal archives. It is well paced and kept me reading, but I'm left somewhat dissatisfied. I'm not sure I understand the characters and their motives and reactions to these events. Everyone seems to be just “not quite” engaged, and as a result, I'm left wanting more. I do think it would be great for book groups as it is bound to engender a lot of discussion.
In 1890 Henry Oades takes his wife, Margaret, and children to new Zealand when he is offered a work opportunity that is too good to pass up. Everything is fine for a while, but an uprising of the Maori natives results in his wife and children being kidnapped and his home burned. Despite efforts to find them, they are eventually presumed dead, and Henry leaves New Zealand for America. There he settles near Berkeley California and becomes a successful dairy farmer. On a trip to town he witnesses a home fire - an event that brings back memories of the loss of his family. He later visits the widow, Nancy, to offer his condolences and assure her that she will eventually recover. Eventually he and Nancy marry and begin life together on the farm.
Meanwhile, six years have passed since Margaret and the children were captured. They have been enslaved in a Maori settlement. When smallpox strikes the village, they are expelled from the compound and left to their own devices. The group makes its way back towards Wellington, only to discover that Henry has left New Zealand. Margaret writes to Henry but months pass with no response. There is nothing to do but set sail for America, and eventually they arrive in Berkeley just a few months after Henry has married Nancy.
Henry and Nancy are stunned, but welcome the ragtag group into their home. The townspeople, however, are not so compassionate; they react with disgust that a bigamist is in their midst.
The novel is based on a case the author's father discovered in the legal archives. It is well paced and kept me reading, but I'm left somewhat dissatisfied. I'm not sure I understand the characters and their motives and reactions to these events. Everyone seems to be just “not quite” engaged, and as a result, I'm left wanting more. I do think it would be great for book groups as it is bound to engender a lot of discussion.
timna_wyckoff's review
3.0
Totally fascinating premise. The writing felt a bit simplistic to me, however.
sparrow123's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Racism, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Animal death
machadofam8's review
3.0
Great premise, a bit slow, though. I love books about the San Francisco area at the turn of the 20th century, for some reason, and a good part of this takes place there. I like the language truly reflects the time.
adrienneambo's review
4.0
Debut story set in the late 1800s. Story or Henry Oades and wife who leave to live in New Zealand, the wife is abducted and thought dead. In the meantime, Henry remarries a young widow in California and upon return of 1st wife is tried for bigamy.
dja777's review
5.0
I tore through this book, ignoring a messy house and cranky kids so I could finish the last chapters. The blurb on the back from Meg Waite Clayton described it best -- "...a compelling story of good people caught in impossible circumstances."
boosterfan2021's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75