My Rating: 3.8
Set in early 1900s London, The Exiles tells the harrowing story of Evangeline, a young and naïve governess whose life takes a tragic turn after she is seduced by her employer’s son. When her pregnancy is discovered, she is dismissed and sent to the infamous Newgate Prison. From there, she is sentenced to “the land beyond the seas” — Van Diemen’s Land, a penal colony in Australia.
On the long and grueling voyage aboard the Medea, Evangeline meets Hazel, a spirited young woman convicted for stealing a silver spoon. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely bond. Hazel’s knowledge as a midwife and herbalist becomes a lifeline for many aboard the ship, offering glimmers of humanity amid cruelty and despair.
This was a raw and difficult read, filled with heartbreak and injustice. Christina Baker Kline shines a light on the brutal treatment of women and the inhumane realities of the convict transports — a part of history that’s rarely told. While I appreciated learning about this dark chapter of the past, I found this story emotionally heavier and less moving than The Orphan Train. Still, The Exiles is a powerful reminder of resilience, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
⭐ My Take: Worth reading for the history and humanity — but prepare for a somber journey.
I hear you on this book, it was somber. I think I may have enjoyed more than you, I really liked learning the history.
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