Forth into Light: A Novel (Peter & Charlie Trilogy) (Peter & Charlie Series)

This book is significantly different than the previous two books in the trilogy. It takes the focus off of Charlie and Peter and puts in on a whole village, with a slightly brighter light shining on a expatriate American writer and his son.

I wasn't always nuts about how the story moved along, because it seemed as if Merrick had become bored with his two lead characters and was attempting to "do" something with them beyond that which he'd already done. It often seemed as if there were two books here, neither of which was Merrick terribly committed to.

Ultimately I enjoyed the book because it finalized the two characters I'd come to love from the beginning (sometimes I could relate with Charlie and other times I could relate to Peter). In this final book, it is important to remember what was happening in Merrick's world as well as the 1960 world of the characters. The whole free love movement was in full swing for Merrick, but it was just finding its sea legs in 1960. That's all well and good, but it just seemed rather forced at times in the book.

Don't get me wrong. I did enjoy the book, but it was a less pleasurable read than the previous two books in the trilogy. But ya' gotta read it!


Merrick shines again   February 27, 2002
I must admit I thought Lord Won't Mind was to be his crowning achievement, but I feel this book outdid the first in the trilogy. And this time around, even though the characters are once again for the most part Harlequin cardboard cutouts,... I think the emotional tie to Jeff is what makes me hold this one dearest to my heart of all three (well, all two... havent read One for the Gods yet). And check out the passage between Jeff and Mike for one of the most erotic "first timer" encouters written in any manner...gay, straight, and bi authors would have a hard time (no pun intended) topping this one.


Summary   December 6, 1999
 3 out of 7 found this review helpful

It began with Peter. Then there was Charlie. Along came Martha. Now in the final chapter of the monumental love story about two men who could pass for Greek gods, steps Jeff, an exquisite young man who brings searing passion -- and intrigue -- to the lush Greek isle on which they all live.


This book is amazing!!!!Sweet, made me laugh and cry at once   May 1, 1998
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I am totally obsessed with this trilogy! I fantasize about it, write more chapters, I even dream about it at night. VERY recommended. When I finished the third book, I almost cried because there wasn't more, and I desperately wanted to know what happened to Peter and Charlie next. Both the love and the fights were so honestly written that I almost believed it all really happened. Read these, they're a complete emotional experience!!