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There are currently 31 reader reviews for The Wives of Henry Oades
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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.
Margaret Ristagno
A Woman's Book
This is a story that makes women think: What is marriage? What is bigamy? Can a man really love two women? Must women always be rivals?
But it’s also a story that makes people think: Why do we judge on appearances? Why do our religious or moral convictions cause pain when imposed on others? Can we control what our children do? And if we can’t, are we responsible for their actions?
Perhaps what’s most frustrating about this novel is the thought that if these events had happened one hundred years later, the outcome would have been different. And we’d have lost a moving insight into human relationships.
Jeanne S. (Ludlow, MA)
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.
Laura K. (Middletown, NJ)
The Wives of Henry Oades
Very good historical fiction! The storyline and characters are well developed. I would recommend this book, especially for book groups. The moral quandary Henry, Nacy and Margaret find themselves in would surely elicit an interesting group discussion.
Pamela F. (Grants Pass, OR)
The Wives of Henry Oades
I love historical fiction. So this was a good book in my opinion. The characters were interesting, the plot is not something that I would normally come across, and although at the beginning I had a little trouble getting into it...it grabbed me and I wanted to find out how it ended. I would definitely recommend it.
Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN)
Engrossing fiction based on fact!
This was an incredible story based on true events. The relationship that develops between the two Mrs. Oades is most unusual, yet compelling. This is definitely worth reading.
Carol J. (Isle, MN)
THe Wives of Henry Oades
An excellent work of historical fiction. The book transported me back to 1890's and into the intersecting lives of 3 normal people, whose lives are changed by extraodinary circumstances. The writer uses the voices of all three main characters to tell various parts of the story, so the reader has an opportunity to see the story from different perspectives. I continually found myself wondering what I would do in the place of the characters. An intriguing and insightful book. A great bookclub book; would stimulate interesting discussions. A book that would be enjoyed by both men and women. Would be interesting to hear the viewpoint of both on the story.
Max 41(Carmel, IN)
The Wives of Henry Oades
Johanna Moran writes an intriguing historical novel combining the elements of strong family love, friendship and legal turmoil. I was hooked from the beginning. Margaret Oades was an unusually strong and courageous woman which book clubs should enjoy discussing.
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