Exile

A Powerful Historical Novel of Loss, Loyalty, and Survival

Rosemary Goring's gripping tale of life on Scotland's borders

About the Ebook

From the moment Mary, Queen of Scots set foot on English soil in May 1568, she was the prisoner of her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. Her tumultuous years in Scotland, where she had returned after the death of her husband, Francis II of France, had ended in failure and abdication. Exile tells the story of Mary's English years – almost half her life – with reference to the latest research and the many locations where she was held captive. Unlike her years on the Scottish throne, the dramatic events during these years mainly took place beyond her sight. But while trouble was perpetually simmering beyond her prisons, within their walls Mary was anything but docile or resigned, and only towards the end did she lose hope of one day returning to her homeland as rightful ruler. No wonder she was viewed as a deadly threat by Elizabeth. Given her attitude and actions  and those of her estranged son James – was her tragic death all but inevitable? If more willing to compromise, might she have negotiated her release? Acclaimed author Rosemary Goring addresses these, and other, questions in this remarkably penetrating psychological portrait of one of history's great queens.

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Be drawn into a richly imagined story of Scotland's turbulent past
• Experience characters whose loyalties are tested by history's great upheavals
• Enjoy literary fiction that brings Scottish history vividly to life
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

Reviews

'Homecoming was a very good book — this sequel, Exile, is even better. Together they have claim to be not only the most complete account of Mary's life, but also the fairest and most intelligent'  The Scotsman

'Goring is a superb writer who artfully breathes life into the tale of Mary's captivity — a sympathetic and deeply human portrayal, with a narrative style that makes facts read like fiction'  Scottish Field

'Taps into the current vogue for intensely personal journeys, allowing the reader to experience vicariously Mary's historical confinements'  Country Life

'A fantastic read — taking us through the tragic intrigues in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots' Love Scotland podcast

About the Author

Rosemary Goring was born in Dunbar and studied at the University of St Andrews. She worked at W&R Chambers as a reference editor before becoming literary editor of Scotland on Sunday. She was also the literary editor for The Herald and Sunday Herald, and is the author of two historical novels, After Flodden and Dacre's War.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 03 July 2025

Print Length: 368 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788857802

Format: Ebook

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