The Oxford Book of Exile
Other recent anthologies have engaged in defining the essential condition of exile. However, Simpson, an editor for the BBC, pushes this notion's boundaries to include excerpts from poems and letters, novels, memoirs, and plays, all of which deal with variations on the theme. To confirm his theory that in one way or another some form of exile is familiar to one and all, Simpson sets the stage by way of an introduction to each of the book's sections. If it all began with Adam and Eve, Simpson quickly moves past that, providing examples of historical and contemporary figures who were expelled, banished, or suffered victimization due to the inconstancy of politics. Of course, so-called self-exiles make appearances--Gertrude Stein speaks of her preference for Paris, and Jack Kerouac appears inOn the Road. Taken together, Simpson's selections offer a stimulating perspective and a good read.Alice Joyce