Description
Freedom is a pipe dream. At least, that’s what Olivia Cruikshank believes. Transported to Van Diemen’s Land for petty theft, she has lost all hope. Six years in and out of the Cascades Female Factory has taught her none can be trusted and that her future, like her innocence, are as a vapour in the breeze.
Until Michael Reeve shows up — a prison guard unlike any other. What kind of turnkey shows compassion instead of cruelty, encouragement instead of scorn? He talks and acts like Olivia matters. Like her future matters. And he’s not about to give up, despite opposition from every angle. Opposition that hints of danger ahead.
Can Olivia learn to trust before it’s too late? Will Mick’s kindness lead to love, or will it be his undoing?
The Captive’s Song is an Australian retelling with elements of Rapunzel, complete with a tower, a long braid and a beautiful song.
Review
There is no hope for “the shank”, Olivia Cruikshank. Now a young teen and serving a seven year term at the Cascades Female Factory, transported from London to Van Diemen’s Land for charges of petty theft.
Life has made her tough. Her wicked mother had Olivia stealing for her, despite knowing the risks, and when Olivia was caught, she was abandoned to face the court alone.
She has learned not to trust anyone, and inside the prison she constantly gets sent to solitary for many fights, and defiance to the authorities.
Then Michael Reeve shows up as the new prison guard, with the aim of helping these women establish a new life for themselves, just as his own parents did after being transported as convicts. His faith helps him to see the good in people and he immediately sees through Olivia’s tough exterior, to the person she could become, if treated properly and shown the right way to behave.
But Olivia has never trusted anyone before so why is Mick any different? Surely he has an ulterior motive, just like every other person who has been in her life.
Set in 1841 and 1842, this is a tremendous Australian historical novel depicting the lives of the female convicts that were sent to Van Diemen’s Land, in many cases for very minor offences. It contains themes of forgiveness, hope and finding a purpose in your life when all seems hopeless. Also depicting compassion and a delightful love story, this novel will best suit readers aged 12 to 15 years, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction.
