The expatriate experience is marked by a unique form of loneliness that intertwines with a sense of freedom. This feeling emerges from leaving one's homeland and its usual comforts, creating a paradox where solitude can be perceived as both burdensome and liberating. It reflects the complexities of living in a foreign place, where the excitement of new beginnings is often tempered by the absence of familiar social ties.

In "Paris to the Moon," Adam Gopnik captures this intricate emotion, highlighting how expatriates savor their independence while simultaneously grappling with isolation. The act of escaping one's previous life brings a newfound liberty, yet it also starkly reveals the void of connections left behind. This duality establishes a rich backdrop for understanding the intricacies of expatriate life.