Terrific debut novel The Wives of Henry Oades, a turn of the century novel based on a true series of trials, tells a fascinating story through the eyes of two remarkable women who are married through no fault of their own to the same man. The settings of New Zealand with its cruel Maori kidnappers and Berkeley, CA provide a stunning contrast until Henry's neighbors, angry that he refuses to rid himself of one wife, attack the family using both the law and terror. This is a beautifully developed story, realistic in characters and circumstance. It would make an excellent film. Women book club members will probably appreciate the strong female characters, but men might enjoy it too.
Rated of 5
by Sue J. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this book, not only for its good story but also for the insight into the feelings people can have against others. The author did a wonderful job getting you to really feel the characters in this book. Usually a cover attracts me to a book, but the cover chosen didn't appeal to me. I recommend The Wives of Henry Oades to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Rated of 5
by Virginia W. (Cloverdale, CA)
The Wives of Henry Oades
I loved this book! It is an engrossing story and very well written. Margaret Oades is one of the strongest women I have ever read about. Each travail in her life only makes her stronger. I recommend this book wholeheartedly and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Rated of 5
by Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
excellent historical fiction
The author used some real life legal facts to create an excellent historical fiction book. The Wives of Henry Oades is an easy read, and it was such a vivid telling of the story that I could picture myself in many of the scenes. The main characters were likable and I could feel sympathy for both women. A great book club read which would surely lead to an interesting discussion about the morals at the turn of the century.
Rated of 5
by Linda G., Manager, Lafayette Book Store, CA
A Different Kind of Family
I manage an independent book store in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was especially interested in the local history in "The Wives of Henry Oades". Based on the cover, I thought it might be a little too 'flowery' for me, but I wanted to make sure I read it because of the interest my customers might have. I was very much impressed with this historical debut novel. The storyline was smooth, flowed nicely and was very readable. However, it was actually the well-developed characters, and the authors' ability to put you right in their place, actually feeling their feelings, while experiencing with them this moral dilemma they found themselves in. The two Mrs. Oades' were both portrayed as wonderful women, strong in their own way as they struggled together to endure the persecution of themselves and their families by the surrounding community. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their growing respect and love for each other, and for each others children. Henry, Mr. Oades, was a very likable man who just wanted so much to please everyone involved. The courtroom scenes in the novel, made it nearly impossible to put down! This will be an EXCELLENT book club choice! I can't wait to start recommending it.
Rated of 5
by Arden A. Allen (Homosassa, FL)
A wonderfully written debut novel based on a true story
The year is 1890, and the Oades family travels from London to New Zealand, where Mr. Oades has accepted a new position. Traveling across oceans in 1890 with three children is a harrowing experience in and of itself, but just the tip of the iceberg of what this family endures over the next 20 years. Suffice to say, the events lead to a trusting, loyal husband and father, being accused and prosecuted for bigamy, as well as the family being ostracized by the community in which they live. But, what really impacted me most about this book was the relationship that developed between the two Mrs. Oades, one now in her 40s, having lived through, and having watched her children live through, more horrible and difficult experiences than one can imagine; and the other, a young widow with an infant, who not only willingly takes in her husband's first wife and his children, but is protective and supportive of them under the onslaught of the community and the law. Absolutely fascinating read. I look forward to other books by Johanna Moran.
Rated of 5
by Ruth (Tyrone, GA)
One Wife Too Many!
Well written story of family and female friendship. Strong characters and interesting story line work well. Great read!!
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of 5
by Jeanne S. (Ludlow, MA)
