The Captive's Song

The Captive's Song explores the notion of freedom as a mere pipe dream. Olivia Cruikshank, transported to Van Diemen's Land for petty theft, has lost all hope. After six years in and out of the Cascades Female Factory, she has learned that none can be trusted and that her future, like her innocence, is as insubstantial as a vapour in the breeze.

That is, until Michael Reeve appears—a prison guard unlike any other. What kind of turnkey shows compassion instead of cruelty, encouragement instead of scorn? He behaves as though Olivia matters. As if her future matters. Despite opposition from all sides, which hints at danger ahead, he is not ready to give up.

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.