The Shrigley Abduction Paperback – Import, 25 July 1996

The book draws on evidence readily available in the archives but the authors' dodgy interpretations of that evidence beggar belief. For example, when the abducted girl flings her arms around her uncles and says she was deceived, and that she is not the wife of the man who abducted her and does not want him near her and wishes to return, this is interpreted by the authors as a woman scorned, rather than a girl relieved at learning the truth and knowing she can escape. How on earth do they arrive at that contention? There are multiple examples of this. The authors took a side and a perspective that did not fit with that of the victim, not at that time or now. Rather, they seem to argue with her statements, assuring the reader that Ellen must be wrong. The authors also create a false redemption arc for the perpetrator. Edward Gibbon Wakefield is not highly regarded by the indigenous people and many other New Zealanders for reasons similar to Ellen's perception, a perception that her abductor was a brute. To date 'Abduction, The Story of Ellen Turner' by Kate M. Atkinson pub Blenkins Press 2002 is a far better account of the ordeal.

Product shipped timely and book was in good condition. An interesting book that illustrates the darker side of Jane Austen's philosophies. In 1826, an intelligent, charming but manipulative man engaged in an act of trepanning (usually the abduction of a wealthy woman in order to coerce a marriage and gain control of her assets) to a schoolgirl. The book uses contemporary accounts and judicial records to follow the case and the subsequent lives of the participants. Although the authors tend to focus on the perpetrator, one gets a sense of lack of autonomy of women in the era, even affluent women like the seemingly lively young woman at the heart of the matter, who swiftly was escorted from a marriage deemed criminal to another arranged union.

Arrived promptly and in good condition. Enjoyed the true story (possibly embellished) very much. Incite into how a spell in prison can focus a member of the upper classes into recognising the plight of some of the lower classes, in this case those awaiting transportation, and trigger them in time to helping in reform. This was 1826 but could, perhaps, be similar now. How about the more corrupt of our bankers having a spell in prison!

An amazing true story.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, well written and researched. It gives you info about the characters that l haven't read anywhere else.