{"product_id":"the-captive-wife","title":"The Captive Wife","description":"Discover the gripping tale embedded in The Captive Wife, a prize-winning historical novel inspired by real events of the 1834 kidnapping. This powerful narrative explores themes of love, survival, and the quest for freedom set against the backdrop of colonial New Zealand. As Betty Guard arrives in Sydney, her bravery and resilience following a harrowing four-month ordeal with Taranaki Maori capture the hearts of those around her. The story unfolds as she grapples with the aftermath of her captivity, the complexities of her marriage to Jacky Guard—an ex-convict and whaler—and the societal challenges she faces in a pioneering age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDelve into the compelling account of Betty’s life as she navigates trials and tribulations, motherhood, and the stark realities of colonial existence. With intricate storytelling, this novel not only highlights the struggles for survival but also evokes emotional depth in its character arcs. Perfect for history buffs and readers fascinated by tales of adventure, resilience, and the roles of women during challenging times, The Captive Wife is a must-read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCapture the essence of courage and emotional depth as you join Betty on her journey through love and duty, all while enjoying the convenience of FREE shipping on your purchase. Immerse yourself in a story that combines historical precision with riveting drama. Your copy awaits! Please note that combined shipping is not available with this item, and delivery may take up to 10 days.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: BRAND NEW\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781869416867\u003cbr\u003eYear: 2005\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: RANDOM HOUSE NZ\u003cbr\u003ePages: 368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDescription:\u003cbr\u003eBased on real events, this prize-winning novel is the compelling story of a marriage, of love and duty, and the quest for freedom in a pioneering age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen Betty Guard steps ashore in Sydney, in 1834, she meets with a heroine's welcome. Her survival during a four-month kidnapping ordeal amongst Taranaki Maori is hailed as nothing short of a miracle. But questions about what really happened slowly surface within the elite governing circles of the raw new town of Sydney. Jacky Guard, ex-convict turned whaler, had taken Betty as his wife to his New Zealand whaling station when she was fourteen. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter several years and two children, the family is returning from a visit to Sydney when their barque is wrecked near Mount Taranaki. A battle with local Maori follows, and Betty and her children are captured.  Her husband goes to seek a ransom, but instead England engages in its first armed conflict with New Zealand Maori when he is persuaded to return with two naval ships. After her violent rescue, Betty's life amongst the tribe comes under intense scrutiny.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item.  Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.","brand":"SmartfoxNZ","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":47762600427609,"sku":"PR531121","price":42.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2551\/5502\/files\/9781869416867_SHZ3SWOEXKFN.jpg?v=1794059465","url":"https:\/\/smartfox.co.nz\/products\/the-captive-wife","provider":"SmartfoxNZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}