Exiles

Embark on a profound and deeply moving journey with William Atkins' "Exiles," a masterful work of travel writing, history, and biography that explores the lives of three forgotten figures banished to the far corners of the globe. This hardcover edition, published by FABER & FABER in 2022, offers a luminous exploration of exile, its impact on individuals, and the unexpected connections forged in the most isolated of places. Atkins, the award-winning author of "The Immeasurable World" and "The Moor," brings his signature blend of meticulous research, evocative prose, and profound empathy to bear on the stories of Louise Michel, Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, and Lev Shternberg. These were no ordinary exiles. Michel, a fiery leader of the Paris Commune, was exiled to New Caledonia. Dinuzulu, a Zulu king and staunch opponent of British colonialism, was banished to St Helena. And Shternberg, a relentless campaigner against Russian tsarism, was sent to the desolate island of Sakhalin. "Exiles" is more than just a recounting of their individual fates; it's a meticulously researched and beautifully rendered exploration of the broader themes of empire, nationalism, and autocracy, issues that resonate powerfully even today. Atkins doesn't merely narrate their experiences; he retraces their steps, traveling to the remote islands that became their prisons. Through his immersive journey, he seeks to understand how exile shaped their identities, their beliefs, and their relationships with the people they encountered. The book delves into the surprising solidarities that emerged between the exiled subjects and the colonized populations among whom they were forced to live. Atkins highlights the shared experiences of displacement, oppression, and the struggle for self-determination that united these seemingly disparate groups. He paints vivid portraits of these remote landscapes, bringing to life the harsh realities of exile and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Critics have lauded "Exiles" for its breathtaking prose, its insightful analysis, and its profound empathy. Edmund de Waal calls it "completely sui generis," while Andrea Wulf praises Atkins' ability to weave together history and travel accounts into a "marvellous tapestry of colourful tales." Sara Wheeler, writing in *The Spectator*, deems it "a volume for our times." Ilya Kaminsky describes Atkins as "humane, humble, and empathetic," noting the book's beauty and emotional resonance. Philip Hoare calls it "an incredible, brilliant act of retrieval," highlighting the importance of bringing these forgotten stories to light. The *Financial Times* hails it as "thrilling," while *The Economist* praises its "gracefully written" prose and its "brilliant" insights. *History Today* concludes that "rarely has a book been more timely." Weighing in at 524 grams, this hardback edition of "Exiles" is a substantial and enduring testament to the power of human connection in the face of displacement and oppression. It's a must-read for anyone interested in travel writing, history, biography, colonialism, or the human condition. Dive into William Atkins' world and experience the poignant stories of individuals caught in the crosscurrents of history, and discover the enduring lessons they offer for our own time. If you enjoyed "The Moor" and "The Immeasurable World", you will not want to miss this exceptional and thought-provoking exploration of exile.