First published 2016
Exiled on the remote island of Saint Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte finds an unexpected ally in Betsy Balcombe, a spirited British girl living there with her family. As the infamous ruler waits for his own accommodations, the Balcombe clan hosts the fallen emperor, a decision with devastating consequences. Betsy navigates her complex friendship with the man dubbed "The Great Ogre," balancing enmities with his remaining courtiers and her own dramatic coming-of-age. Keneally's vivid tale brings to life this little-known chapter of history, exploring the bond between an ordinary family and one of Europe's most enigmatic figures.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, biographical-fiction, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Saint Helena
Period: 19th century
432 pages · Hardcover · Atria Books