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Rendezvous Eighteenth - Book Review
Black Issues Book Review, March-April, 2004 by Melissa Ewey Johnson
by Jake Lamar St. Martin's Minotaur, November 2003 $24.95, ISBN 0-312-28920-0
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Paris? The City of Lights has long been considered a legendary refuge for African Americans in search of artistic freedom such as Josephine Baker and James Baldwin. While personal and professional obligations or a fear of culture shock keep many of us from living abroad, the lure of moving to a far-off locale still has tremendous appeal.
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The notion of starting over and reinventing oneself is at the heart of Jake Lamar's fourth novel. The title refers to the Eighteenth Arrondissement, a section of Paris known for attracting multicultural residents. It is in this colorful neighborhood where Ricky Jenks has found a sale haven from the problems that plagued him back in the United States. After being abruptly left at the altar for his cousin and enduring pressure from his extended family of overachievers, Ricky flees to France and tosses away his plans of becoming a lawyer to pursue his original dream of becoming a jazz pianist. Content plying his self-described mediocre musical talents in a touristy restaurant, Ricky's biggest dilemma is getting his Muslim girlfriend to reciprocate his love--that is, until an unexpected call from his cousin sets off a chain of events that pulls Ricky deep into a world of murder, deception and blackmail.
Part crime novel, part love story, the world of Rendezvous Eighteenth is filled with rich characters and lush descriptions of the lives of African American expatriates. The author knows this world well: a native of New York City, Lamar has lived in Paris for more than 10 years. His firsthand intimacy with the people and places of this fascinating city is evident throughout; even those unfamiliar with Paris will feel as though they've walked the streets themselves. Anyone who's ever fancied themselves to be an amateur sleuth will cheer the likeable Ricky Jenks as he uncovers the truth about his cousin and his mysterious wife
Melissa Ewey Johnson is a writer and editor in New York City.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
