Customer Reviews

The FitzOsbornes in Exile (The Montmaray Journals)

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Sophie FitzOsborne and her family are forced to leave their island kingdom of Montmaray, the only home they've ever known, when the Nazis attack. Now living with their Aunt Charlotte in England, Sophie, Veronica, Toby, and Henry must adjust to a life that is the complete opposite of what they're used to. Henry is expected to act like girl, Veronica is expected to stay away from politics and snag a husband, and Toby--their king--is expected to finish school. Sophie, meanwhile, isn't sure of what she's supposed to do, but desperately wants to enlist help on getting Montmaray back from the Nazis. But getting anyone to pay attention to the FitzOsbornes--from the English government to the League of Nations--will turn out to be the greatest challenge yet. Who cares about a tiny island kingdom when the entire world is on the brink of war?

The FitzOsbornes in Exile has the same eccentric and lovable characters and humorous narrative as its prequel, but it is a bit more serious than A Brief History of Montmaray. Sophie and her family now know the danger of politics and the evil that the Germans are capable of, even before the rest of Europe fully realizes it. But that doesn't deter them from their goals, or cause them to lose their sense of humor. Sophie's account of their time spent in England, stretched out over two years in this deliciously thick book, is full of witty observations and social misadventures as well as more serious matters. Veronica is politically active, which gains her a reputation, enemies, and an assassination attempt. Toby is unwilling to study and learn what it takes to be a good king. The FitzOsbornes must figure out what they need to do with Simon, and Henry tests her governesses (and Aunt Charlotte) to their limits. There is also a great deal of politics in the novel, which may be a little confusing at first to the reader without any knowledge of the causes of World War II, but Cooper handles it well and keeps the confusion to a minimum while doing an excellent job at educating her readers about the political tensions in Europe, the Spanish Civil War, and other important events. For those readers who enjoyed the action of the prequel, there are a few good heart-pounding moments throughout the book, and a tense, dangerous, but ultimately triumphant ending. Cooper leaves the characters at a good place, but will have readers begging for the inevitable sequel. 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 FitzOsbornes in Exile has the same positive aspects as the first book, A Brief History of Montmaray, primarily in that it is a lighter look at World War Two that still incorporates a lot of historical details. The characters' voices continue in much of their naïveté, though obviously they have changed since the Germans invaded Montmaray and forced the young royal family into exile. But all the characters remain delightful despite their trials, and readers will continue to laugh at Sophie's ramblings, Henry's hijinks, Toby's shirking of duties, and Veronica and Simon's verbal duels. Cooper unobtrusively works a great deal of pre-WWII politics and international affairs into the novel, and these details can be as noticeable as readers want them to be. Younger readers unfamiliar with European history may miss these in lieu of the main story, while others may choose to take notice and appreciate the subtle inclusions.

Complaints? The FitzOsbornes in Exile covers the years 1937-1939, and during that time the FitzOsbornes spend a lot of time waiting for something to happen. This means readers spend a lot of time waiting for something to happen, and it's easy to start getting a bit bored by about the middle of the book. Fortunately, the plot picks up at the end, and it becomes evident that Cooper made this book so long in order for it to end at the point in history when it does. But the delightful characters help hold interest for the slower-moving parts, and the author's unique blend of historical fact with a princess tale results in a novel great for either younger readers wanting a gentler introduction to World War Two fiction or fans of WWII fiction wanting a relief from more dark and depressing novels.

Another fantastic installment to the "Montmaray" series!

Here, in book II, we find the FitzOsbornes living in England after their home/island kingdom was destroyed and taken over by Nazi Germans.

The FitzOsbornes have many obstacles and decisions to face: how to regain their beloved Montmaray; how to help innocent children forced to flee their countries and seek refuge in England; and how to do all this whilst not tipping off their stuffy aunt who is housing the FitzOsbornes and who controls all their money.
While this book isn't nearly as "edge of your seat" as the later half of the first book, I did feel it kept my attention, and the challenges, though less action-y, were captivating and compelling in their own right (and there was a large part of me that was delighted not to have to worry about nightmares after reading this book!).

I still loved the characters: Victoria is still strong but kind, Toby is still fun and cheerful (though he does have his own bout of depressivness in this one) and Sophie is still thoughtful and good. The only thing that did sort of bother me is the constant back and forth with Simon. I'm never quite sure where we're supposed to stand with him - is he good or bad or something in between? And I'm not sure if the confusion is supposed to be from Sophie's perspective, or if the author is trying to string us along. But, for a family that's known Simon basically forever, it seems that there should be a bit more concrete perception of him - or at least something less drastic. I can't remember him ever doing anything really bad, and yet part of me would not be surprised if the author decided that Simon was the one who'd tipped off the Germans and sent them to destroy Montmaray (personally, I don't think this is where things are leading, but that's about the level of uncertainty that seems to float around the character). Whichever way it does land, I hope things get settled or explained in the next book.

Speaking of the next book, I'm definitely eagerly awaiting it! I've loved both initial installments and can hardly wait to find out what happens next in the lives of the FitzOsbornes!

The sequel to the excellent A Brief History of Montmaray (and which will, based on the ending and the #2 in the title, become part of a trilogy, I assume) is just as charming, compelling, thoughtful and engaging as is predecessor. I think it could be read as a stand-alone, but really there is no reason not to read the first book first as it is excellent!

Here we find the FitzOsbornes entering adulthood dealing with life under their proper aunt's control in elegant London *and* threats of a second world war looming on the horizon. From negotiating the politics of coming out balls and trying to avoid dull suitors foisted upon them by their well-meaning aunt, to run-ins with Blackshirts and assassins, Victoria and Sophie face their fair share of troubles. Tomboy Henry fairs somewhat better in the countryside with her beloved dog and a host of other creatures but, as heir to the Montmaray throne, Toby seems to fritter away his Eaton education--one that untitled Stephen would give anything to obtain himself. Budding romances, political intrigue, and seeking the retribution due to Montmaray are all told through Sophie's eyes and make for delicious storytelling and satisfying plot.

I may have actually enjoyed this one more than the first, since I liked the interweaving of historical events and persons which seemed more involved here than in the first book when they were on Montmaray and more isolated. I also preferred London's 1930s upper class setting to the Gothic aspects of the Montmaray castle though I know some readers felt the opposite. In any case, this is a stand-out series and I highly recommend it!

THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE is the second book in THE MONTMARAY JOURNALS. This book picks up where A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY left the reader. The royal FitzOsborne children have been exiled to England to live with their Aunt Charlotte, a forty-ish society widow.

Sophie FitzOsborne keeps a journal that relates the adventures of Veronica, Toby, Henry, and Simon in their new home. While having to adjust to life in British society, the FitzOsbornes strategize how to reclaim their island home. The Germans have taken over Montmaray, and have been seen using the island as a base to plan their attacks at the beginning of World War II.

THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE takes place during the time span of January 1937 through August 1939. The author uses the backdrop of the Nazis and the impending war as the setting for the story. Neither Sophie nor Veronica has any desire to become a debutante and seek a husband as her Aunt wishes. During their social events, however, the two do discover some contacts that guide them in their quest to seek justice for Montmaray.

This is a lengthy novel, but quite engrossing with the historical content. The Author's Note at the end gives illuminating insight as to how the history incorporated into the story. Though a fictionalized novel, many of the events and people mentioned are based on historical fact.

The reader does not have to have read A BRIEF HISTORY OF MONTMARAY to enjoy this follow-up novel. There are many references to events from the first novel that allows the reader to keep up with the action in the story. And rest assured, there is plenty of action in this one. The last 50 pages alone will leave one on the edge of their seat.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

A facinating and wonderfully crafted story await readers of this book. The delightful Sophia of Montmaray and her quirky complex family constantly delight and surprise. Rich historical details ...I will be looking for the next book.

Not much happens until around page 400 and then the story picks up for the last few chapters. Most of the book is a typical coming-of-age novel. The plot is peppered with real-life historical events and people (The Kennedys make a cameo) as well as fictional situations. Henry provides the comic relief with her wild antics and Veronica's obtuseness about the workings of the human heart also provide some lighthearted moments. Again Sophie's journal is full of fabulous literary references : Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, W.H. Auden, Virginia Woolf and more, which I absolutely loved. The biggest problem I had with this book is that I had a hard time following the political situation in Europe and the difference between Fascists and Communists. There were a little bit too many real-life facts and people thrown in to keep track of, at least while reading late at night. Luckily the author has some great summaries on her website. This book also lacks the charming feel of the first, not being set in Montmaray. I especially loved the history and descriptions of Montmaray and I missed that in this book. It's still a great novel and I am eagerly awaiting the final volume in the trilogy.