The Last Exile

by Charles Durham

Setting sail for Canada with his wife, Celeste, after the murder of his best friend, Frenchman Gabriel Dublanche comes face to face with a dark, dangerous land, primitive people, and an evil he cannot escape. Reprint.

334 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 11, 1989

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old book my father gave to me. He obviously thought I would best appreciate this book for the surprising gem it is. An interesting insight into a time gone by with amazing detail and historical detailing. I enjoyed this book immensely.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Labeled "Historical Fiction" because events take place in 1700s France and Canada. Young Frenchman Gabriel must deal with murder of his best friend, permanent brain damage suffered by his wife, killing the murderer, desertion by his wife and child, becoming a fugitive, suffering pain, illness, starvation and solitude in the Canadian wilds, death of another friend, being adopted by Chippewa and marrying beautiful woman, enduring war with both other tribes and the English army, leading to death of his son on battlefield and depression. Wise Jesuit priest finally is able to snap him out of it.
Unending misery and suffering, but author explains his purpose in the Afterword. Otherwise this was a difficult and unpleasant reading experience.

[John Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idk how a book that has so much death and tragedy can be so good but wow this is some great historical fiction. This story will make you really think about what people went through in days without cellphones or social media for you to contact a loved one. If you moved across the country you more than likely never heard from them again. This story follows Gabriel’s life in Normandy, where he then goes to Paris for school but sees such atrocities that he decides to move back. Events play out and he’s forced to flee to New France(Canada) where he goes through many trials and tribulations that will make you see the value of love and forgiveness.

[Kathy Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters. I enjoyed learning about the first nations Gabriel lived with

[David Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as good as Walk in the Light - an earlier book, but still a great read. Highly recommend!