Madame de (Anne-Louise-Germaine) Staël
Ten Years' Exile
Memoirs of That Interesting Period of the Life of the Baroness De Stael-Holstein, Written by Herself, during the Years 1810, 1811, 1812, and 1813, and Now First Published from the Original Manuscript, by Her Son.
"Ten Years' Exile" by Madame de Staël is a memoir written in the early 19th century. This work chronicles the author’s personal experiences during a tumultuous period marked by political upheaval, particularly the era of Napoleon’s power in France and her own exiles. The memoir is informed by de Staël's reflections on liberty, her relationships, and her struggles against tyranny, as well as her insights on broader societal issues. The opening of the memoir introduces readers to the context of Madame de Staël's life during her exiles and the oppressive atmosphere of Napoleon's regime. The narrative begins with her reflections on the animosity she faced from Napoleon, stemming from her dedication to real liberty and her refusal to submit to his tyranny. As de Staël recounts her experiences, she reflects on her connections with prominent figures of the time, including her interactions with Bonaparte’s family and her involvement in intellectual circles. She conveys the heavy burden of her persecution and the impact of her socio-political environment on her personal life, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of her character and the historical context she navigates throughout her memoir.