CHAPTER 11 – Social Exiles

In “Social Exiles,” the author explores the phenomenon of people who, due to economic or personal circumstances, find themselves living indefinitely outside their home country, forming what can only be described as colonies of expatriates. These individuals, often originating from affluent backgrounds, embark on a journey abroad following a change in their financial situation, initially intending it as a temporary move during a period of mourning or for the sake of their children’s education. However, as time passes, the prospect of returning home becomes increasingly daunting and financially challenging, leading to their unintentional settlement abroad.

The chapter vividly depicts the lives of these “social exiles,” primarily focusing on American families who have made quaint European towns their homes. They attempt to maintain their identity and connection to their homeland through various means, such as subscribing to American publications, attending English-speaking churches, and forming social circles with fellow expatriates or English families. Despite their resilience, the sad reality of their situation is unmistaken, as their financial capabilities dictate a lifestyle far removed from their previous standing, prioritizing economical living over luxury.

The narrative provides a poignant look at the struggles these families face, from the practical matters of stretching their income to cover basic living expenses, to the emotional toll of realizing they can never truly return to their former lives in America. The longer they stay, the more disconnected they become, facing obsolescence in their native land.

Examples are given of different settlements, such as a modest community in Versailles, illustrating how these exiles create a semblance of a social life within their means. Yet, the harsh reality sets in when attempts are made to return to America, only to find they are strangers in their own country, leading many to resign themselves to their lives abroad. This cycle of hope and resignation is not only disheartening for the older generation but spells a bleak future for the children raised in exile, who find themselves adrift between two worlds, belonging fully to neither.

The author concludes with a poignant comparison, reflecting on the solitude of two elderly American ladies living in isolation near Tangier, juxtaposed against a more communal and supported life that could have been. This chapter highlights the stark realities of social exile, painting a portrait of lives suspended in a perpetual state of longing and adaptation, far from the familiarities of home.