The Wives Of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran- 367 pages
Book Blurb:
When Henry Oades accepts an accountancy post in New Zealand, his wife, Margaret, and their children follow him to exotic Wellington. But while Henry is an adventurer, Margaret is not. Their new home is rougher and more rustic than they expected—and a single night of tragedy shatters the family when the native Maori stage an uprising, kidnapping Margaret and her children.
For months, Henry scours the surrounding wilderness, until all hope is lost and his wife and children are presumed dead. Grief-stricken, he books passage to California. There he marries Nancy Foreland, a young widow with a new baby, and it seems they’ve both found happiness in the midst of their mourning—until Henry’s first wife and children show up, alive and having finally escaped captivity.
For months, Henry scours the surrounding wilderness, until all hope is lost and his wife and children are presumed dead. Grief-stricken, he books passage to California. There he marries Nancy Foreland, a young widow with a new baby, and it seems they’ve both found happiness in the midst of their mourning—until Henry’s first wife and children show up, alive and having finally escaped captivity.
My Review: 4 stars
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I quite enjoyed this fictionalized account of a true story and actual legal case from the late 1800’s. I am looking forward to a great book club discussion about this story. Many women’s issues, what if’s, and the fact that the truth is often stranger than fiction will be brought to the table. Never before had I considered the concept of polygamy by accident!
Surprisingly, I liked the two wives equally which I didn’t think I would. The bonding of these two women in such remarkable circumstances was surprising, yet it speaks to the power of what women will to do to keep their family whole.
Kudos to the author for making both women so likable and relatable. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Surprisingly, I liked the two wives equally which I didn’t think I would. The bonding of these two women in such remarkable circumstances was surprising, yet it speaks to the power of what women will to do to keep their family whole.
Kudos to the author for making both women so likable and relatable. Look forward to reading more from this author.
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Thanks, this one sounds very interesting and I’ll add it to my ever lengthening “to read” list.
Marilyn B.