Johanna Moran

I really liked this book. It was a fast read and an interesting historical novel. What would you do if your wife and family were taken by an indigenous tribe and were never found? Would you move on with your life? Henry does move on, but does so somewhat accidentally. He basically stumbles into a new marriage. A necessity on his and the woman's parts after what they have been through in their lives. When his first wife and family turns up...not dead...it is quite the predicament. Accusations of polygamy and other tragedies occur. I was really quite infuriated by this book. I could not have endured what Margaret, the first wife, endured. It was my thinking that Henry should have accepted Margaret back and sent Nancy packing, but I guess situations like this are more complicated than you think and you really don't know what you would do in a similar situation. All I know is that when a book evokes emotions in me like anger or sorrow (in a good way), it is a great book, in my opinion.… (altro)

I was surprised at the New Zealand setting in the first half of this book and it is, perhaps, because she is an American writer that she took a little licence with the kidnapping event, which would have been unlikely to occur in the 1890's, but it is a work of fiction.
In1890, Henry Oades of the title is offered a post in Wellington NZ. His wife although reluctant feels duty bound to support her husband, who promises it is only for a 12 month stay. The family survive the sea voyage only to be kidnapped, in reprisal by a Maori tribe, while Henry is at work. Henry distraught searches for months but is unable to find any trace. He believes the body found in their burnt down house to be that of his wife Margaret. Unable to cope with the grief of losing his wife and children, he ships out to San Francisco and starts a new life. He eventually remarries. Meanwhile, several years later, Margaret and the three surviving children are released from slavery after a small pox epidemic. They are devastated to find that Henry has left and set off to be reunited.… (altro)

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 brings back memories of the loss of his family. He later visits the widow, Nancy, to offer his condolences and ensure 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.… (altro)