In this final chapter, Ron's story concludes from Reflections on the Boulevard (2023). Michael's wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron's journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. The final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, which started with A Reservoir Man (2022).
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A cool autumn breeze, in the twilight, wrapped around our exile who sat on a bench in front of a bookstore that resembled a place we might find in a Tolkien novel. On this street, rue de la Buccheri, was the bookstore Shakespeare and Company. The store itself was famous for housing the books of many great literary artists on their shelves. They also supported any young or old artistic vagabonds by allowing them to sleep in the aisles of the bookstore on makeshift beds when finding themselves homeless.
Ron, who managed the store, sat on this bench every evening thinking of Michael. Ron thought of things he remembered and how much he learnt from Michael. He felt the emptiness in his soul, yearning to have that connection just one more time. He had lived in Paris for six years now, a brief time for an exile, yet he was free from a society drowning in untruths; his refuge was the bookstore.
Just like every night, as Ron prepared to close the store, he occasionally checked the front of the store, looking for his friend. Then, he noticed another young man still looking at books on the outside shelves.
Ron moved outside to get a closer look at the late customer under the guise of moving the outdoor book bins back inside. He suddenly noticed that the young man was putting a book down his pants.
Ron raised his voice and shouted for the thief to put the book back on the shelf. The young man, caught in the act, ran away.
The young man sprinted and tripped while running past the café. In this stumble, he decided to turn the corner and make his way rapidly toward la Seine.A fitting ending to this compelling trilogy.
Exiles is the final book in author L.J. Ambrosio's compelling trilogy, Reflections of Michael, and proves to be a fitting conclusion as the story comes full circle. I have truly enjoyed this journey of love, friendship, and the search for and discovery of self.
Ron takes Michael's wishes to heart and remains alone in Paris with his aging Jack Russell Terrier, Rhonda, the only constant in his life after Julia departs for the US and her hospital internship. However, a chance meeting with a young stranger points his life in a new direction, just like when he and Michael met. Louie Dubois is aimlessly drifting through life and has a troubled past, the root cause of which can be traced to his childhood and his lack of self-worth and anxiety over not being good enough or smart enough, and a fear of becoming a target of ridicule. I loved that Ron stepped in and became part of Louie's life, despite warnings from Julia, and offered him friendship and a source of positive support and encouragement, showing him at every step that he matters and is valued. I also loved these two guys' constant attention and care for the half-blind, quirky, and lovable old puppy, Rhonda.
The plot evokes many emotions: love, desire, friendship, compassion, humor, loneliness, and grief. But just as Michael became a friend and guide to Ron, Ron becomes the same for Louie, bringing the story full circle. As an aside, if you had never wanted to visit and explore Paris before, you will now.
I recommend EXILES to readers of literary fiction and fans of the previous books in the
trilogy.
Thank you for hosting and reviewing EXILES today.
ReplyDeletethank you for the post on your site and a wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you writing the antics of Rhonda and her health condition. I debated for a short time if she should pass on -----but Rhonda's best end was falling asleep at Waldon Pond as so may older dogs do,like my beagle as well. Rhonda is the symbol of friendship.
I want to take a moment to thank all the Ron's in my life who guilded me crossing a busy street.
again thank you so much---Louis
Looks like a very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteIt is an eye opener
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired you to start writing?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite summer activity?
ReplyDeleteMy finding a path and wanting to share it
ReplyDeleteBeing in my garden at peace
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your insightful responses and wish you much success in 2024!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review!! Really enjoyed reading it and learning more about this book!!
ReplyDelete