Lilac Redemption

Old man Firman, driven by life-long guilt over his part in the death of his first love, Claudette, contemplates suicide. In a flashback he relives his youth, a coming-of-age while stationed in Paris with the army, once again facing the fact that his innocence had allowed him to fall in love with Claudette Penseur-Clair, a prostitute. Claudette instructs him not only in the historical magic of Paris, including its great works of art, but also in matters of the heart. Firman is in love, but Claudette, under the spell of her spy-agent aunt, Josephine, and a compulsion to be loyal to her "profession," rejects him. In a panic, he chases her into the Seine where he believes she drowns. Awakening from the bitter recollections of his youth, Firman has a chance conversation with an old army buddy from his Paris days and finally comes to grips with his burden of guilt. Cleverly woven into this compelling tale, leitmotifs and symbolism make this story unforgettable.Jardine, David is the author of 'Lilac Redemption', published 2003 under ISBN 9781413713862 and ISBN 1413713866.