Redemption

4.5Who says there aren't pockets of joy amid all our terrestrial woes? Don't tell anyone but this is my first [a:Garrett Leigh 5893561 Garrett Leigh https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1514037053p2/5893561.jpg] (shame on me) and [a:Dan Calley 19271091 Dan Calley https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is also a NTM narrator. I was delighted on both counts. If you're in need of an emotional, and authentic feeling hurt/comfort story look no further. The fact that this intimate story takes place among actual working class people is a gratifying bonus.Luis Pope lived his whole life on the wrong side of the law. Now, at the ripe old age of twenty seven (27) he's getting out of prison with minimal life skills, no friends or family to speak of, and virtually a stranger to the world. His inadvertent savior is Paolo Cilberto who runs a local chip shop/cafe on his own and desperately needs help. Paolo reluctantly and cautiously takes him on. Luis will have to prove that he's no longer the muscle for or associated with his brother Dante, the local drug lord. I really loved everything about this story. The keen insight into people reentering society after prison. The burden and joys of family. Luis and Paolo are both pan, or as Luis calls it “extra-sexual” and that was kind of perfect for these guys, none of the oft trod angst over sexual orientation or coming out. Instead we get to witness Luis, like a newborn horse, take trembling steps into ‘civilian' life, learn that he has value, explore what he actually likes. He more than likes Paolo. Paolo who has a reserved spot in the lovable grump shelf:“Paolo Cilberto was a moody motherfucker. All day long he growled and swore, muttered under his breath, and kicked anything that got in his way.”and Luis can't get enough of him. Luckily Paolo has had a thing for Luis since high school and once he gets to know Luis the person, once he becomes the keeper Luis's innermost secrets & fears, that like quickly morphs into more. I love how protective they were of each other, willing to face true danger, how though Paolo has more of an education than Luis it isn't something he wields like a cudgel, quite the contrary. I loved how vulnerable Luis allowed himself to be with Paolo, how he trusted his person to Paolo, how Paolo jealously guards that trust. I loved that there was no miracle come to save them, that after all was said and done they continue to be two ordinary people living by the sweat of their brow. Working class people also get love stories too. Enthusiastically recommended and [a:Dan Calley 19271091 Dan Calley https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s narration will put you over the moon.