Review of EXILES from Beyond Romance

Enjoy a review of Exiles from Beyond Romance

Exiles by L.J. Ambrosio is not a romance. Nevertheless, it is first and foremost a story of love—love discovered, sometimes among strangers; love nurtured, in the face of sorrow and loss; love magnified, multiplied and passed on to the next human who needs it. I haven’t read the first two books in the Michael trilogy, though I did host the author’s tour for the second book, Reflections on the Boulevard. https://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-journey-of-change-comingofage.html

There are enough references and recollections in this volume that I think I can piece together the general shape of the trilogy. Michael was an older man who befriended, cherished and guided Ron, the protagonist of Exiles. They traveled together, learning from their experiences and from one another. In this book, Michael has passed on, but his influence on Ron remains profound. Honoring a promise made to his mentor, Ron moves to Paris, “exiling” himself in a new country and culture. He takes over as manager of the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore (https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/history), where he meets (actually apprehends) young Louie, the conflicted and emotionally vulnerable scion of a wealthy Parisian family. Taking Louie under his wing, Ron tries to help the youth make sense of his desires, ideals and goals. He plays a role similar to that which Michael played in his own life.

Louie becomes one of the bookstore’s Tumbleweeds, a person passing through a phase of life for whom the store provides sanctuary. As Louie fights in the streets for his beliefs about social justice and falls in love with the lovely, fragile Lily, Ron offers what help he can—and his own wisdom and understanding continue to grow in the process.

As befits the title, the city of Paris is almost a character in this story, offering scenes of beauty that sometimes evoke the same sort of awe one experiences in nature. Powerfully emotional, the book rings with a sincerity that is rather rare in “literary” works. It’s obvious that this is a personal story, a fictionalized memoir that is written with little art but with great soul.

I have deep respect for L.J. Ambrosio. Not everyone can write with such honesty, or be comfortable offering lessons that might seem old-fashioned but are, I believe, enduringly true.

The novel, the last installment in this engrossing trilogy, takes readers to the heart of Paris, where the protagonist Ron, at his friend Michael's suggestion, sets out on a journey of self-exile. Ron's story develops with depth and resonance against the backdrop of the city's lively culture and passionate protests, providing a complex examination of identity, friendship, and the search for purpose.

Much like its predecessors, this novel makes me feel a variety of things, including laughter, anxiety, excitement, wonder, and loss. Ambrosio's skill in incorporating these emotions into the story is what gives the trilogy its unique quality. While there is room for improvement in the book, overall the story is heartwarming and well worth reading.

Ambrosio shows a wonderful capacity to add levels of intellectual insight and emotional depth to her storytelling throughout the story. Every page exudes a feeling of urgency and poignancy that drive readers to reflect on life's most important issues in tandem with the characters.

Excerpt

Louie joined the demonstrators on Magenta. He was happy, screaming protesting statements at the top of his lungs. Somehow, Louie got separated from the crowd. This left him a bit disoriented, and he decided he should rest.

Louie found a bench at a bus stop; he sat quietly for twenty minutes. All his thoughts came back to Lily, and he thought of all the wonderful people he met at Lily’s wake.

His thoughts turned to Rhonda and what a hero she was. Life’s trials had not broken her incredible spirit. Rhonda was mostly blind now, but still found her way around. She still lived her life with love and excitement, a little smile on her adorable and aging face.

Louie thought of his love for the bookstore and how much he respected his boss, Madame.

“Hey, faggot, I finally found you! I have been looking these past three nights,” yelled a familiar voice suddenly, ripping him out of his thoughts.

Louie realized it was the police officer who hated his guts.

The police officer continued, “Well fag, did you come looking for me?”

Louie forcefully said, “I’m not a faggot, but I am looking at a pathetic man.”

At that moment, the police officer slapped him across the face so hard that he fell to the ground.

The police officer kept kicking Louie over and over. The man pulled Louie up by his hair and put Louie’s face near his crouch, moving his head back and forth in suggestive fashion. “Come on, pretty boy, suck."

Louie’s head was bleeding. “I would die here, to expose your hatred to the people.”

One more harsh kick to the face. Louie passed out. The police officer spit on his face, then quickly left a very wounded Louie in the gutter next to the bus stop.

Ron was home when the phone rang. It was Theo, terribly upset. He told Ron that Louie was lying in the street, and he must get him.

“He is not moving! He is bleeding! Hurry.”

Theo gave him a location, and Ron quickly  got dressed, then ordered a driver to take him to Louie and Theo.

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