Review of EXILES from Guatemala Paula Loves to Read

Enjoy the review from Guatemala Paula Loves to Red

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.

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

Ron told her that Michael knew he would choose to go to Paris as a way of furthering his freedom. Ron had become attached to his life with Michael, and after

 Michael’s death he decided to self-exile, the way James Joyce left Dublin.

 It was Ron's way of starting another life. To embrace the past, he needed to break from it and choose another path for his future, in another place. He wanted to get away from some of the elements of the United States that bothered him, to see if he could fit in somewhere else. It was an experiment to further his own freedom from people, society, and learned dictates that never mattered in the world around us.

 Michael urged him not to stay in “exile” as he called it, more than 30 years. The specific nature of that time, 30 years, was never made clear. However, Michael was right about so many things in the journey to find his truth and freedom, his most personal self, Ron never questioned the potential absurdity in his guidelines.

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