This is a fantastic debut novel that has met with rave reviews. The story is beautifully told and the characters vivid and sympathetic. The real story is the relationship between the two wives, which is as complex as it is heartwarming. A must read, already on its second printing before its release! This will definetly be made into a movie, the story is so compelling.
Helpful Score: 3
I found this story to be refressingly novel. Not a repeat of so many story lines from the past. The characters are well developed and realistic. It's historical perspective kept me interested. Everytime I came to the end of a chapter and thought, ok, time for a break, the story line would grab me and I had to read on.
Helpful Score: 3
It's a good selection for a woman's book club--with discussions about what the two wives should have done, did they make the best possible choices, the social mores they were constrained by, the husband's love for each woman, in turn, and his children.
This book has a gripping premise, fascinating characters, --and it's all based on a true story!
This book has a gripping premise, fascinating characters, --and it's all based on a true story!
Helpful Score: 2
This was a first novel for the author with an interesting story line. I'm not sure how I feel about it. The beginning was intriguing but when Henry Oades leaves New Zealand for America and marries another woman whom he loves I felt sorry for Margaret who had suffered so much. Is this premise realistic as the author depicts it? I just don't know. I marked it three stars because some people may really like the story. Me? As I said, I don't know.
It was an amazzing story of Faith, couage and love that kept a Mother and her children stong as they were taken away from there home by Island tribe while the Father was away helping others.
I had waited a lone time to find this book that was recommended to me by another book club. I think I shall read it again this time more slowly.
I had waited a lone time to find this book that was recommended to me by another book club. I think I shall read it again this time more slowly.
Helpful Score: 2
Great read. A true page turner. Something that could have or did happen. A compelling story & the author does a fine job of telling it. Characters were beleivable. Finally a book without the dirty langauge & sex. No need in this story. You won't want to miss this one. I am selecting it for my book club & therefore keeping my copy.
Helpful Score: 1
Good story set in 1895-1900 era. Interesting situation, made me think what I would do if I found myself in their spot.
I really enjoyed this book - to the last word.
A New Zealand family is raising their family with new twin girls when a tribe of Maori (a Polynesian tribe practicing cannibalism) swoops in setting fire to the house and carrying off wife and children into slavery.
Henry Oades searched for years for the family stolen from him to no avail while nearly losing his mind. His endless search was one of love for family.
Margaret Oades and children escape their captors and return home to find house burned, a grave marked for her and Henry moved to America. At last she finds passage to Berkley to find Henry and there discovers he has remarried.
The two wives reside in the same home while developing a close friendship.
Neighbors decide the Oades family are Mormons practicing polygamy which sets the stage for many injustices and a lingering court case.
The real beauty of this book is the love of family between the women and how they unite in harmony to protect and keep the family together under the trying circumstances. Their compassion and love gives one pause in wonder if we could be that caring and considerate.
A New Zealand family is raising their family with new twin girls when a tribe of Maori (a Polynesian tribe practicing cannibalism) swoops in setting fire to the house and carrying off wife and children into slavery.
Henry Oades searched for years for the family stolen from him to no avail while nearly losing his mind. His endless search was one of love for family.
Margaret Oades and children escape their captors and return home to find house burned, a grave marked for her and Henry moved to America. At last she finds passage to Berkley to find Henry and there discovers he has remarried.
The two wives reside in the same home while developing a close friendship.
Neighbors decide the Oades family are Mormons practicing polygamy which sets the stage for many injustices and a lingering court case.
The real beauty of this book is the love of family between the women and how they unite in harmony to protect and keep the family together under the trying circumstances. Their compassion and love gives one pause in wonder if we could be that caring and considerate.
