Napoleon's Last Island
A historical fiction about friendship and loyalty in exile.
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton
Published:6th Oct '16
Should be back in stock very soon
In Napoleon's Last Island, the story of Napoleon's exile unfolds through unexpected friendships and the complexities of loyalty amidst societal tensions.
On the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic, Napoleon's Last Island unfolds the poignant tale of Napoleon Bonaparte's final years in exile. Here, the once-mighty emperor faces a life stripped of power, surrounded by the whispers of gossip and the complexities of human relationships. The island becomes a microcosm of society, where the interactions between colonials and slaves reveal the tensions of the time, and the atmosphere is thick with intrigue and unspoken alliances.
Amidst this backdrop, Napoleon encounters an unexpected companion in Betsy, a spirited British girl who lives with her family on the island. Their friendship blossoms despite the disdain of the island's authorities, who treat the fallen ruler with contempt. Betsy’s rebellious nature and curiosity lead her to challenge the norms of her society, forging a bond that defies the expectations of both their worlds. As they navigate the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, their relationship becomes a powerful narrative thread in Napoleon's Last Island.
This novel, based on historical events, offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most enigmatic figures. It explores themes of vengeance, duplicity, and the enduring nature of human connection, showcasing how charisma can remain dangerous even in the twilight of one's life. Through the lens of a British family willing to associate with a fallen emperor, the story reveals the intricacies of human emotions and the often overlooked aspects of history.
The outspoken Betsy is a terrific character . . . [There are] some glorious moments . . . lit with Keneally's trademark impish humour. He is a magpie, as preternaturally inquisitive as Napoleon himself, and the book has a cast of characters to rival Dickens. -- Clare Clark * Guardian *
Immersive and charming . . . Keneally's Betsy is a vivid, attractive portrait of a young girl brinking on young womanhood and a thoroughly useful device. Through her he can view the emperor clearly - as an absurd figure, a joker, a voracious devourer of food, women, information. But there is so much more here, too. The flora and geography of the island are beautifully evoked, the inhabitants drawn in sharp, succinct strokes . . . a pure pleasure to read. -- Nick Curtis * Evening Standard *
Through Betsy, Keneally beautifully resurrects a voice of the sort lost in official versions of history -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *
A typically polished yarn by a grand master of historical fiction. -- Max Davidson * Mail on Sunday *
One of the most enjoyable, high spirited and technically accomplished works of a long career. * The Australian *
He succeeds, with touches of brilliance, in bringing to life characters in more detail than history ever possibly could * Philip Dwyer, Sydney Morning Herald *
Writing Napoleon's Last Island from Betsy's perspective allows Keneally to entertain readers with his trademark verve and impishness. Few can match him as a storyteller * Meredith Jaffe, Guardian (Australia) *
ISBN: 9781473625358
Dimensions: 197mm x 131mm x 29mm
Weight: 316g
448 pages