Natives and Exotics

Natives and Exotics by Jane Alison, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on April 10, 2006, is a first edition work comprising 256 pages. This book follows three interconnected characters across different time periods, exploring themes of colonialism and the impact of their legacies. The narrative begins with nine-year-old Alice, who is captivated by the beauty of Ecuador while grappling with her family’s role in its exploitation.

Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of experiences as the story unfolds through the lives of Alice, her grandmother Violet in Australia, and her great-great-grandfather George in early nineteenth-century Scotland. Each character’s journey reflects a complex relationship with their environments and the historical contexts that shape them. Natives and Exotics delves into the intersections of history, identity, and the natural world, offering a thoughtful examination of humanity’s connection to nature and the search for belonging.