Although I found this book more difficult to get through than the first in the series I still really enjoyed it. This book had a different perspective on pre WWII Europe than Ive seen previously, and quite a bit of time was spent talking about politics. I dont think this book worked as a journal the way the first one did though. The setting of the previous book lent itself very well to this kind of narrative since the number of characters was limited and the protagonist had the time to recount what was happening to her. But in this book I found myself losing track of who people were and what they were up to, and also skeptical about the situations where someone might realistically pull out their journal and start writing. I still found the protagonists perspective interesting though and hope to get my hands on the final book sometime soon. ( )

(Originally reviewed at thelibraryladies.com.)

Kate and I read the first book in this young adult trilogy, “A Brief History of Montemaray,” for bookclub and as I was more enamored by it than she was, I decided to continue with the trilogy. Especially since the ending of the last book left a large, lingering question mark over the future of the FitzOsborne family and their small, island kingdom.

Driven away from their remote home, this book refocuses the story on more typical, historical fare: debutantes, dinner parties, and their poor Aunt Charlotte’s ever-long struggle to marry off her young charges. But, sprinkled within these more frivolous aspects, was a running commentary on the dramatic, and often tragic, historical happenings of the time.

While the first book took place over a few short months, was limited by its location, and was told from the perspective of a much younger character, this story expands itself in every way. The book takes place over the course of 2-3 years, leaving us with an 18-year-old Sophie by the end of it. Throughout the time, we see her mature as a narrator, and, even more interestingly, watch the slow shifts that went on throughout the world during this tumultuous time period.

Without going into a political rant, I was particularly fascinated by the slow, steady evolution of these events. As a reader, we know how these things turn out and have the perspective of time to influence our opinions. Through this book, we see how small concessions and small moments of willfully turning a blind eye to the plight of those we (as a country or as a smaller group) deem disconnected from us can lead to very negative events. There was also a particularly fascinating bit where Sophie and Simon discuss the appeal of these types of populists leaders, how their message can be so easily tuned to the wishes and prejudices of each specific audience group, and how broad promises and the creations of “others” to blame can have massive appeal when people are desperate.

Beyond the political and historical aspects of the story, I enjoyed watching these characters change and grow throughout the story. The first book gives us such a brief glimpse into their lives, that, while I loved many of them, it was also easy for each to fall into stereotypes (even if I loved some of those stereotypes like bookworm!Veronica). But here, we see how Toby’s struggles with school more broadly reflect his confusion with his place in his family and the world. How Veronica’s political and historical interests stand up against the onslaught of British high society. How Sophie learns to see the strengths in her own, more quiet, personality.

I also loved the introduction of a few new characters. Aunt Charlotte was brilliant. Similar to the Dowager Countess from Downton Abbey, she is a character that is written in a way that while she spouts some rather unfeeling, aristocratic nonsense, she does it in such a comical way that the reader ends up loving her for it.

There is also the introduction of Julia’s brother, Rupert, who seems to be set up as a potential love interest for Sophie. And, as he spends large portions of the book carrying around an injured doormouse in his pocket and feeding the squirrels, he seems quite suitably sweet for our lovely main character.

I very much enjoyed “The FitzOsbornes in Exile.” In fact, I would say that it was even better than the first, benefiting from a more extended timeline, a closer connection to historical happenings, and more mature characters. ( )

Enjoyed this book, looking forward to 3rd book. Sophia is a great protagonist! ( )

Audiobook read by Emma Bering.

This is book two in a series about the royal family of the fictitious island nation of Montmaray. The title gives a pretty big clue as to what is happening, and the front leaf gives away what happened in book one to result in this exile. The book is told as a series of entries from Princess Sophia’s journal, and the family’s experiences in England from 1937 to 1939.

This is a fast read, an easy young adult novel about the beginning of World War II. The British social class of the late 1930s is described well, including the debutante season. Cooper includes some real people – i.e. U.S. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy and his family, especially daughter Kick and sons Joe and John.

Having taken refuge with their Aunt Charlotte, the young king and his siblings chafe at her insistence that they join society and make advantageous marriages. They are much more concerned with the very real political issues facing England and Montmaray as Hitler’s German troops push his agenda.

I liked this one better than the first in the series. The characters are better developed, and I enjoy reading about strong, resourceful, intelligent young people.

Emma Bering does a fine job narrating the audio book. She has good pacing and enough skill as a voice artist to clearly differentiate the characters. ( )

I found this book even more compelling than the first of the series. Michelle Cooper has a great voice and complex character development and a masterful use of tying historical events to a made up royal family. I was very impressed. ( )