The Barbarian Invasions

Seventeen years after the events of *The Decline of the American Empire*, Sébastien is seen thriving in London, carving out a successful career in quantitative finance. His achievements, however, are overshadowed by underlying familial tensions that he has yet to confront.

Sébastien receives a distressing phone call from his mother, Louise, who informs him that his estranged father, Rémy, is terminally ill with cancer. This news forces Sébastien to grapple with his complicated feelings towards Rémy, who he blames for the breakdown of their family.

Rémy's terminal illness brings to the forefront the resentment Sébastien has harbored over the years. Their relationship is strained by Sébastien's disdain for Rémy's lifestyle and beliefs, particularly as they relate to his career in finance and personal interests.

In search of better medical care, Sébastien accompanies Rémy to Vermont, seeking a reprieve from the challenges posed by his father's illness. Their time in Vermont serves as a backdrop for navigating their fraught relationship and the remnants of their shared past.

Upon returning to Quebec, they find the healthcare system inundated with issues of overcrowding and mismanagement. Frustrated with the lack of adequate care for his father, Sébastien decides to take a more active role in ensuring Rémy receives the treatment he desperately needs.

Desperate to secure better medical attention for Rémy, Sébastien attempts to bribe hospital administration. This act highlights his growing frustration and determination to navigate the bureaucratic challenges that threaten his father's wellbeing.

Sébastien reaches out to Rémy's old friends for support, hoping their connections can help improve his father's care. This gathering reflects on their shared histories and the ideas they once cherished, contrasting sharply with their present realities.

In a bid to alleviate Rémy's suffering, Sébastien learns that heroin is significantly more effective than morphine. This revelation leads him to procure heroin from Nathalie, a character entwined in the darker aspects of their journey.

Amidst the chaos, Rémy reconnects with his old friends, including Pierre, Dominique, Claude, and Diane. They engage in profound discussions about life, history, and the ongoing consequences of societal changes, reflecting on the vitality lost with age.

During their reunion, Diane voices her concerns for her daughter Nathalie, who is struggling with addiction. This moment underscores the challenges faced by both the older and younger generations, revealing the interconnectedness of their struggles.

Rémy, a history professor, engages in a thoughtful conversation with the hospital chaplain, Constance. Their discourse contrasts the perceived tranquility of the 20th century with the chaos of previous eras, highlighting Rémy's contemplative nature.

Within their group, one scholar minimizes the significance of events like the September 11 attacks, theorizing that they simply mark the beginning of modern-day barbarism. This discussion brings to light differing perspectives on history and social change among friends.

As they seek solace in the beautiful countryside of Quebec, the group explores their commitment to adapt to evolving political and social ideologies. This exploration serves as a testament to their enduring connections despite personal and societal changes.

Rémy's life comes to an end surrounded by his friends and Sébastien, with a final dose of heroin administered by Nathalie. In his last moments, Rémy refers to her as his guardian angel, encapsulating the profound complexity of love and loss.