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 lite 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.
- ISBN10 1459658027
- ISBN13 9781459658028
- Publish Date 23 January 2013
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 21 April 2016
- Publish Country CA
- Imprint ReadHowYouWant
- Edition [Large Print]
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 500
- Language English