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A review by knod78
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
4.0
I found this book on the books around the world challenge. I was obviously drawn to it, because it was about the convicts from England and Tasmania. For me, yes, I would love to go to Australia, but I would love really to go to Tasmania. I have had a long fascination with that part, but I oddly know so little about it. After reading this, I want more.
First of all, I loved her writing and the way she wove stories of these three women so seamlessly. Although, I wished I read this book much later after the Seven Fallen Feathers. It was quite sad and I honestly didn't think the story would end remotely positive. I'm glad it did, but for awhile, I just had little hope. What these women went through, what the indigenous went through, was something to make you cry, get angry, and just be dumbstruck. But women during this century (and well this century too) didn't have rights, especially if you did something like get pregnant before marriage. I loved the themes of the shells and rings of the tree and how you can apply it to your life and the people who shape you. Although, the author only mentioned the women of Ruby's trees and not Dr. Dunne who did save lives.
My issue really is with Mathinna. Her story was so great and I wanted to know more about her after they saw her in the market. I felt like she was cast aside as the drunkard and that's it. And I guess I got hit with one sadness after the next that it was difficult to turn the page for fear I would get hit with something horrible or worse.
I definitely recommend this book if you want to know more about what English convicts went through, especially women and the transport to Australia. You will get a glimpse into what the indigenous population went through, but it definitely was a glimpse. You will feel powerful as a woman reading this knowing that you will have women on your side at some point or the other, and maybe an occasional man, too.
I leave you with this quote from the book, which was powerful...considering what is going on in America with women's rights and everything else...
Dr. Garrett gave an exasperated sigh. “This is why we can’t leave the making of laws to men. They result in travesties of injustice that unfairly burden the poor. And women. Those high and mighty aristocrats, in their black robes and powdered wigs—they have no idea.”
First of all, I loved her writing and the way she wove stories of these three women so seamlessly. Although, I wished I read this book much later after the Seven Fallen Feathers. It was quite sad and I honestly didn't think the story would end remotely positive. I'm glad it did, but for awhile, I just had little hope. What these women went through, what the indigenous went through, was something to make you cry, get angry, and just be dumbstruck. But women during this century (and well this century too) didn't have rights, especially if you did something like get pregnant before marriage. I loved the themes of the shells and rings of the tree and how you can apply it to your life and the people who shape you. Although, the author only mentioned the women of Ruby's trees and not Dr. Dunne who did save lives.
My issue really is with Mathinna. Her story was so great and I wanted to know more about her after they saw her in the market. I felt like she was cast aside as the drunkard and that's it. And I guess I got hit with one sadness after the next that it was difficult to turn the page for fear I would get hit with something horrible or worse.
I definitely recommend this book if you want to know more about what English convicts went through, especially women and the transport to Australia. You will get a glimpse into what the indigenous population went through, but it definitely was a glimpse. You will feel powerful as a woman reading this knowing that you will have women on your side at some point or the other, and maybe an occasional man, too.
I leave you with this quote from the book, which was powerful...considering what is going on in America with women's rights and everything else...
Dr. Garrett gave an exasperated sigh. “This is why we can’t leave the making of laws to men. They result in travesties of injustice that unfairly burden the poor. And women. Those high and mighty aristocrats, in their black robes and powdered wigs—they have no idea.”