The FitzOsbornes in Exile
The Montmaray Journals: Book Two
"I lifted my Spode teacup and was suddenly convinced that I was dreaming. What other explanation could there be for me sitting here, having tea with a viscount in an elegant drawing room?"
Forced to leave their island kingdom, Sophie FitzOsborne and her eccentric family take shelter in England. Sophie's dreams of making her debut in shimmering ballgowns are finally coming true, but how can she enjoy her new life when they have all lost so much?
Aunt Charlotte is ruthless in her quest to see Sophie and Veronica married off by the end of the Season, Toby is as charming and lazy as ever, Henry is driving her governess to the brink of madness, and the battle of wills between Simon and Veronica continues. Can Sophie keep her family together, when everything seems to be falling apart?
An enticing glimpse into high society, the cut and thrust of politics as nations scramble to avert world war, and the hidden depths of a family in exile, struggling to find their place in the world.
★ Shortlisted for the 2010 Western Australian Premier's Young Adult Book Award
★ Shortlisted for the 2011 Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature (NSW Premier's Literary Awards)
★ Longlisted for the 2011 Gold Inky Teenage Choice Award
★ Notable Book for Older Readers in the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia awards
★ Listed in Best Teen Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews
★ Listed in the American Library Association's 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults
Read an excerpt from the novel
Read historical background information
Read about the real places that appear in the novel
Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook editions
Reviews of The FitzOsbornes in Exile
★ "Multilayered and engrossing, Cooper's tale alternates between frothy fun and heartbreaking seriousness with utter mastery."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The FitzOsbornes in Exile, peopled with a rich cast of historical and fictional characters, is by turns funny, lush and moving, beautifully observed and fascinating in its political and historical detail."
Judges' report, 2011 Ethel Turner Prize for Youth Literature
"Readers who enjoy their history enriched by immersion into the social milieu of the time period will find this a fascinating, utterly absorbing venture into English society of the late ’30s."
The Bulletin of the Centre for Children's Books
"A seamless blend of fictional and historical characters gives an insight into the politics of World War Two in a narrative that has wit, integrity and insight."
The Children's Book Council of Australia, Notable Australian Children's Books 2011
"It's I Capture the Castle meets the Mitfords in this entertaining confection . . . but Cooper's engagement of politics (Oswald Mosley, Unity Mitford, and the Kennedy family all figure in the plot) and her quick, inventive wit give the book its own captivating originality."
Deirdre F. Baker, The Horn Book Magazine
"Highly recommended . . . This is a delightful mixture of fact and fiction that I found engrossing in its depiction of high society and a world approaching war. It will have special appeal for those who like a well-written, meticulously researched and entertaining story."
Pat Pledger, Read Plus
"Fans of the first book of The Montmaray Journals: A Brief History of Montmaray will be pleased to know Sophie is back, with her entertaining and personal journal entries . . . her growth from a girl into a woman makes her a most endearing character to journey with in The Montmaray Journals."
Soo Lee Tan, Viewpoint
"Readers looking for frippery and fluff likely won’t find any in Cooper’s thorny, rewarding novel, which cleverly injects the Montmaravian kingdom into a rich historical, political, and ideological context . . . top-shelf historical fiction that offers a glimpse of the conflicts that defined the middle part of the twentieth century from within the prism of high society."
Ian Chipman, Booklist
"The FitzOsbornes in Exile is a rare treat for historical fiction lovers, a heady blend of fact and lovably eccentric characters in a well-drawn world. Cooper is a master at balancing coming-of-age angst with biting social and historical commentary."
Booktalk and More
"This delightful novel teaches history without hitting you over the head with it, and you can believe in the characters . . . There’s adventure as well as history here, as the young royals take matters into their own hands. I can’t wait for the next novel, but meanwhile, this is a great holiday read."
Sue Bursztynski, January Magazine's Best Books of 2010
"Refreshingly original . . . An enchanting, witty, and lovely novel with a lively heroine."
Barbara Britsch, Toledo Blade
"Set in the years leading up to WWII, the family saga, both bittersweet and hilarious, continues. This meticulously researched book presents another great work from a stellar voice in historical fiction for young adults."
Cathy Berner, Summer 2011 Kids’ Indie Next List
"The FitzOsbornes in Exile is a quirky, charming, insightful, and poignant book, and Sophie is a smart, plucky heroine whose coming-of-age is a delight to read about."
The Compulsive Reader
"Family secrets, exciting adventures and a convincing picture of the time combine for an absorbing, intriguing reading experience."
Lyn Linning, Magpies
Praise for the North American audiobook: "Emma Bering’s elegant English accent infuses the quirky family with warmth and humor . . . Libraries with the first audiobook will want to add this fine sequel to their collection."
Tricia Melgaard, School Library Journal