A collection of poems spanning over a decade grapples with themes of displacement and memory. James Fenton's work, characterized by its elegance and wit, delves into the profound emotional landscapes of those uprooted from their homes. The poems, often described as disturbing and deeply affecting, explore the unsettling realities of exile with a sharp, reticent voice. This collection serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of displacement on the human psyche.

The New York Times Book Review has described James Fenton's poems as "frightening," highlighting the disturbing and deeply affecting nature of his work. The collection, "Children in Exile," is noted for its elegance, wit, and finished quality, making it an exhilarating and memorable performance. Readers and critics alike have responded to the profound emotional resonance and sharp, reticent voice with which Fenton addresses themes of displacement. The poems collectively offer a powerful and unsettling exploration of the human condition when confronted with exile.