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The Australian writer's new novel deals with Napoleon's last years in exile on St Helena. A rebellious British girl, Betsy Balcombe, who lives on the island with her family, becomes Napoleon's unlikely friend.

Keneally explains how the idea for the book came about after attending an exhibition on Napoleon. He saw items from the Balcombe's family home near Melbourne - they were sent to Australia when the establishment labelled them as traitors to the British empire. Betsy's diary was part of the show.

Keneally discusses writing the narrative from 13-year-old Betsy’s perspective.