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debbies18's review against another edition
Really enjoyed this book. Learned a lot about the prisoner transports to Australia.
martyomenko's review against another edition
4.0
This book was incredibly sad, but at the same time, so much rich history that is not always talked about. The author did her research, showing characters from several walks of life, cultures and the ideas of the times. It was horrific to see how people were treated and sometimes still are in our society today, for similar things.
erikareadstheworld's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, but I was so unhappy with the abrupt ending for Mathinna that it took away from the story for me. She deserved more than that. The story should’ve ended with her.
dthammer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sdecoste's review against another edition
4.0
In 1840 Scotland, the penalty for stealing a silver spoon was seven years exile to a penal colony in Australia. Attempted murder and thievery in England would get you 14 years. And so begins the travails of Hazel and Evangeline, who meet on a ship awaiting their fates. Evangeline is pregnant and unwed. Hazel, who is a midwife's daughter, is able to help her and later ends up caring for the daughter born on the ship. The women's prison in Tasmania is a ghastly place. But convicts are often used as free labor outside the walls for the English who govern there. And Hazel begins her work for the Governor's wife. There she meets Mathinna,, a member of the Lowreenne tribe, who was adopted as an experiment to try to civilize her. Through Hazel's eyes, we see the inequities and the cruelties, the harsh treatment of the indigenous peoples, with little regard for those so mistreated. Kline is a good story teller and the setting is fascinating and troubling. A good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
the_busy_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
The Exiles by Christina Baker Klein was a really gripping piece of historical fiction, which was a nice break from the thriller binge I’ve been on. It tells the story of the colonialization of Australia through the eyes of female British convicts as well as a female aboriginal Australian, and doesn’t skimp on the gory details. This story will anger your anti-racist sensibilities, but overall is a heartwarming tale of how women come together and lend strength to each other in horrible circumstances. The details were descriptive, the characters were multifaceted, and since it was based on a true story, I felt that much more invested in what-happens-next. Definitely give this one a read if you love stories about strong women in history!!
melissarochelle's review against another edition
4.0
Colonialism is evil. The existence of that horrid orphanage. Mathinna's tragic life. The death of prisoners on the trip there. Any novel with historical boat travel -- prepare for a lot of unjustified "accidental" deaths.
tsundokutsunami's review against another edition
4.0
**Trigger warning: book contains scenes with implied child abuse and attempted rape**.
Heartbreakingly accurate but well written historical fiction about female convicts being transported between London and Australia, and the ignorant view the privileged whites had of indigenous Australian people. The story beautifully ties together three female characters of different backgrounds who come to be viewed as burdens of "civilized" society and have to deal with their own physical and emotional prisons.
Heartbreakingly accurate but well written historical fiction about female convicts being transported between London and Australia, and the ignorant view the privileged whites had of indigenous Australian people. The story beautifully ties together three female characters of different backgrounds who come to be viewed as burdens of "civilized" society and have to deal with their own physical and emotional prisons.