Book Review: ‘The Exiles: A Novel’ By Christina Baker Kline

Set in the mid-19th century Australia, three women’s lives will never be the same again. For Evangeline, a 21 year old nanny, it’s off to jail and then to a penal colony in Australia to a woman’s prison. She got involved with the step-son of the lady of the house and he gave her a ring. It was found in her room and she was accused of stealing it. Then she got into a fight with another household member and was accused of attempted murder. And she is pregnant.

On the trip to Australia aboard a ship she becomes friendly with Hazel, who was sent to jail for stealing a spoon. Hazel is also well versed in herbal medicines and being a mid-wife. She has her baby by tragedy befalls her.

For Matthina, an aborigine on the island of Finders, she is seen by the wife of the Governor and is taken to live with them. It is attempted to make her into a proper young girl. Somethings work and some don’t.

Soon their lives will intersect in ways not expected.

A very good historical novel with shows the plight of women of that time and what they had to go through. With some surprising twists it will have you rooting for all three women right to the very end.

You can pick up The Exiles in stores on Tuesday, August 25th from William Morrow.