The Virginia Exiles

by Elizabeth Gray Vining

During the American Revolution, a group of Pennsylvanians, most of them members of the Society of Friends, were banished to Virgina because they refused to subscribe to a loyalty oath. Around this little-known episode, Ms. Vining has built a story of moral courage which has a deep significance today.

Genres: Historical Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Elizabeth Gray Vining began her distinguished writing career with children's books because she said "they enjoy their books so much, read and re-read them—which is satisfying to a hard-working author." Later she began to write for adults as well, and they, too, read and re-read her books. among the most popular of these books are Windows for the Crown Prince, The Virginia Exiles, Friend of Life, Take Heed of Loving Me, and Flora.
—From the back of "Return To Japan"
----
Elizabeth Janet Gray, also known as Elizabeth Gray Vining, was a prominent Quaker, known for having gone to Japan after World War II to tutor Emperor Akihito of Japan in English while he was the Crown Prince. She was a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, and a noted author of children's and adult literature. She won the Newbery Award for Adam of the Road, published in 1942.

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard of the incident Ms. Vining details in her book, and had not thought of the difficulties the Quakers faced during the Revolution. I feel I learned quite a bit in an enjoyable fashion.

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was SO MUCH in this book that I never knew: the incident itself, everything about the Quakers, the medical care of the time, and more. Of course I knew of the Friends, but didn't know there were so many involved indirectly in the Revolution. And how anyone survived even superficial illnesses is nothing short of a miracle. The title of the book led me in the wrong direction -- I thought of people in VA who were involved in the story, when in reality they were all from Philadelphia. And to consider that Winchester, VA was the frontier -- how things change. Winchester is now something of a metropolis. Well, not like New York or Chicago, but at least a small city. The story was great -- a bit run-on at times, but still fairly wonderful. I think I must have bought this book at a yard sale of something because I've had it a long time and always MEANT to read it. Now I'm so glad I did.

[Skip Unger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical event that I was unfamiliar with about Philadelphia Quakers exiled to Winchester Virginia on suspicion of disloyalty to the American cause. Good character development with an endearing romance but a fairly plodding plot. Interesting insight into medical procedures of the day. A good read but perhaps most interesting for its focus on the still relevant issue of ensuring civil liberties for those out of the mainstream and the corrosive effects of political paranoia.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

2016: It was interesting. I read it during spring break at college, and it was a break from required reading.

2023: I just came across this incident mentioned in Biographical History of Lancaster County by Alex. Harris, p. 21, while helping in the general world of genealogy, and purely thanks to having read this book in college, I know what incident is being referred to in the History. https://play.google.com/books/reader?...

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

revolutionary war, quakers from phila to virginia without trial or charges were held one year, enjoyed book very much