The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline is praised for its vivid historical detail and compelling storytelling, immersing readers in the plight of convict women sent to Australia. Criticisms include predictable plot elements and occasionally one-dimensional characters. However, its emotional depth and strong sense of place resonate well with many readers.

Readers who enjoyed The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline will appreciate The Exiles. Fans of historical fiction focusing on female resilience, intricate character development, and rich settings will find this novel captivating. Ideal for those who enjoy stories of survival and hope.

The Exiles, a 2020 New York Times bestseller by Christina Baker Kline, alternates the viewpoints of three women during the mid-19th century, covering the injustices of colonization and the redemptive power of love. Set against the backdrop of British convict transports to Australia, the novel explores social hierarchies and British colonialism's harsh effects. Topics include forced adoption, wrongful imprisonment, and violence against women.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Emotional / Hopeful / Inspirational

- The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline explores the lesser-known history of female convicts sent to Australia, shedding light on a unique aspect of British colonial history.
- The novel is meticulously researched, drawing from historical records and real-life accounts to authentically depict the harsh realities faced by women convicts in the 19th century.

**Evangeline Stokes**  
A 21-year-old vicar’s daughter who works as a governess in a wealthy London household, facing challenges that dramatically alter her life.

**Hazel Ferguson**  
A resilient 16-year-old Scottish girl with fiery red hair, who demonstrates survival skills and serves as a key support for those around her.

**Mathinna**  
An Aborigine girl taken from her tribe, representing the tension between her heritage and the invading British cultural expectations.

**Olive Rivers**  
A vivacious convict and former sex worker who befriends Evangeline at Newgate Prison and provides practical assistance.

**Ruby Dunne**  
A child for most of the story, she later grows to confront her heritage, symbolizing a new generation of women with a voice.

**Doctor Caleb Dunne**  
The ship surgeon who faces moral and practical challenges on board the Medea, contributing pivotally to various characters' journeys.

**Maeve Logan**  
An older midwife who mentors Hazel, imparting crucial herbal knowledge that aids throughout the narrative.

**Cecil Whitstone**  
A young man who entangles Evangeline in his upper-class world, setting off major events in her life.

**The Franklins**  
Representatives of British colonial power, they attempt to impose their culture on the native lands and people they aim to 'civilize'.

Christina Baker Kline

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Exiles reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Exiles | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Exiles and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Exiles Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Chapters 1-5

The Exiles Prologue and Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8

The Exiles Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

The Exiles Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

The Exiles Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-24

The Exiles Chapters 20-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-28

The Exiles Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-35

The Exiles Chapters 29-35 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Exiles Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Exiles Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Exiles Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Exiles Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Exiles Essay Topics

The Exiles

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Exiles?

Reading Age

Book Details