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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'Whilst living in exile on St Helena, Napoleon exerted an extraordinary influence on young Betsy Balcombe. How did she get from Napoleon's side to the Australian bush?
'Betsy Balcombe as a young woman lived with her family on St Helena. They befriended, served and were ruined by their relationship with Napoleon. To redeem the family's fortunes William Balcombe, Betsy's father, betrays Napoleon and accepts a job as the colonial treasurer of NSW, bringing his family with him. William never recovers from the ups and downs of association with Napoleon. His family however flourish in Australia and remain renowned pastoralists in Victoria.
'Tom Keneally, with his gift for bringing historical stories to life, shares this remarkable friendship and the beginning of an Australian dynasty.' (Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Also dyslexic edition
- Also braille.
- Sound recording.
- Large print.
Works about this Work
-
The Interesting Mrs Abell
2016
single work
criticism
— Appears in: History Australia , vol. 13 no. 1 2016; (p. 184-185) 'The friendship between that towering anti-hero of the nineteenth century – Napoleon Bonaparte – and an impertinent schoolgirl named Betsy Balcombe astonished the public then and continues to intrigue readers today. And for good reason – there was something about this pretty prankster that evoked surprisingly indulgent responses from a man who was otherwise notorious for his ruthless violence and wild mood swings.' (Introduction) -
Review : Napoleon’s Last Island
2016
single work
review
— Appears in: Good Reading , March 2016;
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
The Emperor Makes a Friend
2016
single work
review
— Appears in: The New York Times Book Review , 23 October 2016; (p. 27)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Island Man Kenneally Traces Napoleon's Final Fling
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The West Australian , 17 November 2015; (p. 6)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Boney and His Balcombe Girl
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 14-15 November 2015; (p. 26-27) The Saturday Age , 14-15 November 2015; (p. 26)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel
-
Napoleon’s Last Island by Tom Keneally Review – Australia's Link to an Exiled Emperor
2015
single work
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 4 November 2015;
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Exile Endured in Napoleon’s Esteemed Company
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 7-8 November 2015; (p. 16-17)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Boney and His Balcombe Girl
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 14-15 November 2015; (p. 26-27) The Saturday Age , 14-15 November 2015; (p. 26)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Island Man Kenneally Traces Napoleon's Final Fling
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The West Australian , 17 November 2015; (p. 6)
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
Review : Napoleon’s Last Island
2016
single work
review
— Appears in: Good Reading , March 2016;
— Review of Napoleon's Last Island 2015 single work novel -
The Interesting Mrs Abell
2016
single work
criticism
— Appears in: History Australia , vol. 13 no. 1 2016; (p. 184-185) 'The friendship between that towering anti-hero of the nineteenth century – Napoleon Bonaparte – and an impertinent schoolgirl named Betsy Balcombe astonished the public then and continues to intrigue readers today. And for good reason – there was something about this pretty prankster that evoked surprisingly indulgent responses from a man who was otherwise notorious for his ruthless violence and wild mood swings.' (Introduction)
Awards
Last amended 11 Mar 2020 16:01:47
Subjects:
- St Helena, Southern Africa, Africa,
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