Edmond, The Moonlit Party is written by Astrid Desbordes and takes place in the fictitious French village of Laquemont. The novel follows Edmond and his circle of friends as they deal with the dwindling days of their teenage years. They plan a magical outing one moonlit night, but their plans are threatened by the arrival of an unwelcome stranger who reveals secrets that force the villagers to confront their past and the future of their small community.
The story starts with Edmond and his friends, Clement and Rozamandre, planning a special evening at the local rock quarry. They envision a wild and romantic night, with music, dancing, and flirtations under the stars. Edmond is excited for this night that he’s sure will stand out above all others. The group is disappointed when they find out that the landowner who controls the quarry won’t let them pass. As they talk over their options, a stranger appears with information that could change everything.
The mysterious visitor, Joffre, turns out to be the owner of the quarry himself. Joffre reveals to the teens his visions for the land, dreaming of turning it into a race track or a golf course. But Joffre has more than just business goals. He carries with him a deep knowledge of Laquemont’s past, including the forgotten story of the Royal Proclamation that exiled Laquemont’s Duke seven hundred years ago. Joffre is determined that Laquemont must remain separated from the kingdom, so he uses his stories and his threats to ensure that the villagers behave as he wishes.
The small group of friends is still determined to have their moonlit party, so Edmond comes up with a plan to outwit Joffre by enlisting Rozamandre’s help. They must first find the lostcopy of the Royal Proclamation, then convince the Duke to sign it, thus nullifying Joffre’s exile decree and ensuring the evening can take place.
With the help of a sympathetic tailor, named Peary, the group manages to locate the missing document. They then bring it to the Duke, who is hesitant to believe the wild tale Edmond tells him. But when he finally consents to sign the document, the decrees of the Royal Proclamation are reversed, and the Duke regains full autonomy over Laquemont.
True to their word, Edmond and his friends hold their evening’s celebration. The people of Laquemont come together for music and dancing, illuminated by the bright moonshine ticking gently behind them. The villagers of Laquemont also recognize their interdependence in the warm air that evening, and finally feel like a part of something that is so much bigger than themselves.
Astrid Desbordes’ Edmond, The Moonlit Party is a charming story of friendship and perseverance. The characters’ enthusiasm and creativity help them to overcome obstacles that are supposed to keep them apart. The story gives the readers a secret glimpse into their small village, as well as their determination to stand up for what they believe in. The tale is full of humor, heartache and hope, leaving the reader with a lasting reminder that, even in dark times, friendship and determination can change the course of history.
