The collision of Maori and Pakeha cultures in the nineteenth century has produced some or our greatest stories, among them the capture by Maori of white women such as Elizabeth Guard, Ann Morley and Caroline Perrett. This book tells of the often terrifying encounters endured by these women and six others for much longer. Two actually chose to remain in the Maori world. The women's stories often caused a public outcry in European communities. Were they mistreated and held against their will? What was their relationship with their captors? And what of their virtue? What did they have to do to survive? Might they have actually enjoyed their experiences? In this unusual and surprising book, the author of Pakeha Maori casts fascinating light on a neglected aspect of New Zealand history.