Review of EXILES from Swati

Enjoy the review from Swati

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 and Louie stood at the front door. Ron declared the next fact, as if they were two young knights looking for the Holy Grail.

“This area, where the bookstore is, housed a sixteen-century monastery affiliated with Notre Dame!” Louie nodded and looked around.

Ron opened the door to the bookstore, and Louie stepped into a world of wonderful shelves of books going all the way to the back of the store.

They moved through the narrow passageways, smooth wooden floors below. Ron explained the layout, which was unique. Along the right wall of the entire store were various sections for books. They had a section for French literature, fiction, crime, fashion, and travel. Towards the back of the store on the left wall, there was a section for Shakespeare, theatre, film, music, and much more. All of this may seem typical to a bookstore, but Ron then explained there was much more to it than that.

There were also two small reading rooms, the Blue Oyster Tearoom, and the Old Smoky Reading Room. From only a quick glance, Louie fell in love with the “Old Smokey Reading Room;” however, they walked into the Blue Oyster Tearoom. The Blue Oyster was intimate and cozy, especially for reading.

Ron and Louie left the Blue Oyster Tearoom and Ron brought him back into the main room they had just left. In the middle of the floor was a wishing well made of mosaic tiles that were gathered from a nearby cemetery. Many visitors would throw coins into the well. Louie got out a coin and threw it in. Ron asked what he wished. Louie did not answer because he wanted his wish to come true. Ron pointed out a sign near the fountain, it read, “Feed the starving writers.”



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