A review by nicmedia123
Napoleon's Last Island by Thomas Keneally

4.0

I really enjoyed this fictional account of Napoleon, the exiled Emperor, forming a playful friendship with Betsy Balcombe, daughter of the steward of the East India Company, William Balcombe. Unlike Napoleon, Betsy loves her island of St. Helena and thrives here. Her impertinent and sassy attitude attracts Napoleon, and they form a friendship founded on childish pranks and playful antics. Her family also befriends him. Appearances are deceiving though, as Betsy does not know all of what happens around her in the adult world. Politics ensue, and Napoleon's exile becomes more harsh- the Balcombes choose their own exile as they refuse to make the Emperor their enemy. This story builds to a satisfying climactic moment, and resonates with sadness that forgiveness is not granted, when truly forgiveness is what most people crave.