SYNOPSIS (Reviews)

The Captive Wife (Vintage)

What the critics said about The Captive Wife:

'A clever beautifully written novel, The Captive Wife reminds us what an intelligent and skilful writer Kidman is…..Fiona Kidman: the words have come to mean terrific fiction underpinned by a sound female conscience. If The Captive Wife is anything to go by, Kidman’s luminous literary standing is assured for many years to come.' Siobhan Harvey, NZ Herald

'This is a belting good read. The plot whacks along. Settings are true and tangible; style gritty and satisfying. Betty fair kicks her way off the page.' David Hill, The Listener

‘This book is an example of the best in New Zealand historical fiction.' Mike Crean, The Press, Christchurch.

'In short, Kidman's characters are marvelously flawed and thoroughly human. They lie and cheat at every turn because that is how they ensure their own survival...it's timely that Kidman should return to the genre -and wonderful that she has done it with such aplomb and verve.' Kelly Ana Morey, The Dominion Post

'[Kidman] has a marvellous natural ability of climbing into her subject's skin, absorbing their thoughts, mannerisms, lifestyles, vocabulary of the times and turning them into characters that hook readers into their minds and souls.' Jill Nicholas, Rotorua Daily Post