My niece lives in Australia and I periodically make an effort to learn something — anything! — about her new homeland. I confess I am woefully ignorant about Australia’s history (as well as the present situation there, other than the big backstory about it being a destination to which prisoners were sent and a few current major stories, e.g. wildfires). So I was particularly happy to receive a copy of Christina Baker Kline’s book The Exiles from Harper Collins/Custom House and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.  I figured the author of Orphan Train would enlighten me while entertaining me. 

The book is set in the mid-1800s, and tells the story of this new society in a challenging setting from the points of view of four women, all of whom are facing very difficult hardships from a very young age. First is Mathinna, a native girl orphaned after learning the English language. In a troubling early scene, the wife of the English governor takes a fancy to her and decides she’ll rescue her, like a shelter pet, and educate her. Next is Evangeline, also orphaned when her minister father dies and she has to move out of the home they shared to make room for the new minister and his family. When she gets work as a governess for a wealthy family, she falls for the oldest son, is accused of crimes, and taken to prison — pregnant. Hazel and Evangeline meet on board the prison ship taking them to Australia, and on the way, Evangeline gives birth to Ruby. 

In the 1840s, Australia was considered by the British to be uninhabited and unsettled, and the natives (including Mathinna’s family) were seen as an unpleasant nuisance. By the time Evangeline, Hazel, and Ruby arrive on the prison ship, many of the natives have been forcibly relocated, and their land has been taken by white colonists. Lots of good historical information, appreciated by someone with my level of ignorance!

I remember in college reading Phyllis Chesler’s Women and Madness and being appalled by the way women were treated…and this book evoked the same level of horror and frustration! Many people will read this and feel warm and fuzzy about the bonds of female friendship, and the ability of strength to overcome adversity. There is also the satisfaction at seeing someone overcome hardships, find new opportunities, etc. etc blah blah blah. But I just kept feeling the anger I have felt for decades when I see the injustice women have always dealt with, particularly if they happen to be poor and uneducated. So yes, it is lovely prose, and yes I learned some about Australia, and I am sure Ms. Kline’s fans will adore this book. Historical fiction isn’t my favorite genre, but I did try to have an open mind.

BTW, I received this as both an audio book and a print book, and I felt the same although I admit I did not finish the audio version. I already knew the story and wasn’t wild about the narrator. I’ll go with four stars for a good story, characters I cared about, and great descriptions of time and place.