
audiobook
by James Cowan
A gripping first‑hand account follows a British soldier who deserts his regiment in 1865 and disappears into the dense, unforgiving New Zealand bush. Living among the Māori he adopts their language, customs, and a new identity, navigating a world where colonial forces and tribal warriors clash daily. The narrative paints the forest’s raw beauty and danger with vivid detail, letting listeners feel the constant tension of survival.
Built on years of interviews and corroborated by Māori testimonies, the story also serves as a rare window onto the Ten‑Years’ Māori War from an insider’s perspective. Listeners will hear about daring escapes, the challenges of bridging two cultures, and the fierce loyalty that binds the deserter to his new community. It is a compelling portrait of a man caught between worlds, offering a unique glimpse into a turbulent chapter of New Zealand’s history.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (396K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Christian Boissonnas, sp1nd and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-05-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1943
Best known for bringing New Zealand’s frontier history to life, this writer drew on firsthand interviews, deep local knowledge, and a close understanding of Māori culture. His books helped preserve stories of the New Zealand Wars and the people who lived through them.
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