This weekend, while recovering from my first week back of in person teaching, I devoured The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline.
Through the lens of three women, The Exiles tells the story of the difficult history between England and Australia, specifically, the plight of the women convicts who were transported to Van Diemen's Land and the colonization over the native communities on the land.
The Exiles is inspired by true events and people. It is well-researched, and I have not read many books set in Australia, so I definitely feel as though I learned more about their history. That being said, this history isn't often pleasant, and my heart was heavy while reading about the heartbreaking realities these women faced.
Ultimately, this novel is about survival and of the power of our past to support us, even when we are exiled far from home. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will likely appreciate this novel, as well. It's already been optioned for a television series, so you will want to read it before then!
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for sending this copy my way.
xo
Jenn
