When 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. After 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. Based on real
events, this is the compelling story of a marriage, of love and duty, and the
quest for freedom in a pioneering age.
Accolades
Winner of Montana New Zealand Book Awards: Readers' Choice Award 2006.
Runner-up for Montana New Zealand Book Awards: Fiction Category 2006.
