L.J. Ambrosio's "Exiles," the final installment in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the streets of Paris, blending the beauty of the city with the complexities of human connections. This book explores themes of friendship, mentorship, and the simple yet profound moments that define our lives.
One of the standout aspects of "Exiles" is its focus on friendship and kindness. Throughout the book, Ron's interactions with various characters emphasize the importance of compassion and understanding. This theme is one of the reasons I enjoy Ambrosio's trilogy. It serves as a lovely reminder that there is still kindness in the world, and these stories have a way of uplifting the spirit. Ron's role as a mentor, much like Michael before him, is beautifully portrayed. His discussions about love and friendship, extending even to the love for his dog Rhonda, are touching and resonate deeply.
Speaking of Rhonda, her return in this book is a delightful highlight. Rhonda, a wire-haired Jack Russell, has been with Ron since "Reflections on the Boulevard." Now older and blind in one eye, Rhonda's unique dietary habits and cautious nature add a layer of warmth and continuity to the narrative. Her quirky habit of eating ham and cheese sandwiches and her careful outings, often in a baby buggy to avoid burning her paws on cigarette butts, endear her to the readers. Rhonda's presence in the story not only provides comfort but also symbolizes enduring loyalty and the passage of time.
The setting of Paris is another element I appreciated. Ambrosio vividly describes the city's beauty and its cultural richness, which serves as a backdrop to Ron's personal journey. The bookstore, where Ron works and lives, doubles as a temporary shelter for those without homes, referred to as 'Tumbleweeds.' This aspect of the story is heartwarming and highlights the theme of finding sanctuary and connection in an often transient world.
However, despite these positive elements, "Exiles" does have its drawbacks. The pacing of the book is one aspect that I found challenging. The narrative often feels slow, with long stretches of introspection and detailed descriptions that may not hold every reader's interest. As someone who enjoys character-driven stories, I found parts of "Exiles" to drag, leading me to occasionally skip pages. While the slow pace might appeal to readers who appreciate in-depth character studies, it could be a hurdle for those seeking a more dynamic plot.
Another issue I encountered was the occasional difficulty in understanding the relevance of certain scenes to the overall story. There were moments when the narrative seemed to meander, making it hard to stay fully engaged. This might be a personal preference, as I tend to prefer stories with a clearer, more direct progression.
Despite these pacing issues, the book has its moments of charm and depth. Ron's mentorship and the evolving friendships he forms are depicted with sensitivity and care. The contrast between Ron's peaceful bookstore life and the political unrest in Paris, particularly through the character of Louie, adds layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Exiles" by L.J. Ambrosio is a fitting end to the Reflections of Michael Trilogy. It captures the essence of friendship, mentorship, and the quiet yet profound moments of life. While its slow pace may not appeal to everyone, the book's heartwarming themes and endearing characters make it a worthy read for fans of the series. Ambrosio's ability to weave together the complexities of human connection with the backdrop of a culturally rich and politically charged Paris is commendable, leaving readers with a sense of hope and reflection.
Whether you're a long-time follower of Ron's journey or a newcomer to Ambrosio's trilogy, "Exiles" offers a thoughtful exploration of life's intricacies, making it a worthwhile addition to your reading list. The enduring themes of kindness and friendship are timely reminders of the good that exists in the world, making "Exiles" a heartfelt and reflective read.
Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Thank you to Goddess Fish Promotions for including me on this book tour.
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).
As he approached the bookstore, it rained a bit harder, and he saw his young friend sitting on the bench getting very wet.
“Louie, why the hell are you here in the rain?”
“Waiting for you, no one else,” Louie said quietly.
“Did you remember they invented the umbrella a long time ago?”
Louie nodded and smiled.
“Let’s go have cafe and a croissant,” said Ron. They got a table in the cafe and began to dry out.
Ron asked, “What are you about, man? I know nothing about you except you occasionally rob books and sit in the rain like a weirdo.”
“Okay, is this an interview? You want my life story?”
“Sure. You can say that,” countered Ron.
“Well...I was born in Paris to very hip parents. I was a very smart child, but I was restless waiting for something greater to happen. I did what every French boy did, soccer, movies, video games, swimming in some water hole in the summer. What else can I say? My parents taught me the injustices the system does to people, their own compatriots. They taught me Paris, its history, its architecture, all its culture. We read and read as a family.” Louie looked down. “I started to have this empty feeling. My father thought it was depression of some sort. I went to a doctor and worked on getting out of these...holes I found myself in. I struggled to find the answer. I enrolled at the Sorbonne majoring in literature. I loved the 19th and early 20th century. I had some low points during my time at university.”
“Low points? More holes you found yourself in?”
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