Napoleon's Last Island

While living in exile on St. Helena, Napoleon exerted an extraordinary influence on young Betsy Balcombe. How did she get from Napoleon’s side to the Australian bush?

Betsy Balcombe as a young woman lived with her family on St. Helena. They befriended Napoleon, served him, and were ruined by their relationship with Napoleon. To redeem the family’s fortunes, William Balcombe, Betsy’s father, betrayed Napoleon and accepted a job as the colonial treasurer of New South Wales in Australia, bringing his family with him.

William never recovered from the ups and downs of association with Napoleon. His family, however, flourished in Australia and remained renowned pastoralists in Victoria.

Tom Keneally, with his gift for bringing historical stories to life, shares this remarkable friendship and the beginning of an Australian dynasty.