“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop
I am going to start off by saying that writing a review of this book is very emotional for me. Emotional because this novel has given me so much. It has given me a community, friendships, a hobby, and hope. This book is so much more than a love story between a broken man and a young kind women, it is a social and cultural criticism of our society and the need to beautify it. Mr. Reynard, thank you.
I had first read this book over a year ago, being a rather proud Canadian I have this strange need to support Indie artist from my home country. I was on Amazon scrolling through titles when all of a sudden this novel called “Gabriel’s Inferno” caught my eye. It was a love story written by a Canadian set in Toronto. I proceeded to download a sample and was hooked within a few sentences. Well it was actually the line “Emerson is an Ass”, here I was reading this rather intense and intimidating scene and then suddenly was hit with a jolt of humor. Right then and there I knew that I had found something so special.
“Gabriel’s Inferno” is a love story between an older distinguished man and a younger, innocent girl. A rather common tale, a story as old as time one could say. Here most would wonder ok, so why do you love this book so much? Well this book is a work of art, a true masterpiece. Mr. Reynard beautifully and masterfully explores complex matters plaguing the human condition in a simple setting. “Bad things happen to everybody. Not that this was an excuse or a justification for wronging another human being. Still, all humans have this shared experience… that of suffering. No human being left this world without shedding a tear, of feeling pain, or wading into the sea of sorrow.” this quote is one of many beautiful truths found in this novel. It is one of my personal favorite quotes and it is a perfect example of why this novel is so special and why Mr. Reynard is a true literary gem.
Mr. Reynard uses this tale of love to examine the human condition. He masterfully delves into themes of pain, lose, forgiveness, and love. These books are almost transformative; they were for me at least. I actually find myself at times reading passages that I have highlighted for wisdom or guidance. Trust me I know how that sounds but that is what Mr. Reynard does with his writing. He gives the reader hope, that no matter how bad things get, or how dark your world is you can always find the light.
“Gabriel’s Inferno” is the best love story I have personally read in a long time, best new writer in romance in this humble readers opinion. With “Gabriel’s Inferno”, Sylvain Reynardhas created a poignant romantic tale of days gone by. Mr. Reynard has woven a landscape full of love poetry, and salvation. Readers will be swept away in a story so beautiful that they will be left with gratitude. This book will not insult your intelligence but will expand it. Gabriel and Julia’s love story is that of dreams. It is magical, sensual and spiritual. In my opinion Mr. Reynard’s novel is so much more than a romance. He is in a class with authors like the Bronte sisters and the incomparable Ms. Austen.
Finally, lets talk about Gabriel, oh Professor. Gabriel is that dream man who most women cannot help but fall in love with. He is successful, smart, passionate, and what I loved the most about him is his fragility. Gabriel comes off at first as an “ass” but we soon see his heart. A heart that has been shut up tight but soon opens into something beautiful. In the novel Gabriel says to Julia “ you blossom under kindness don’t you” but in my opinion it is Gabriel that blossoms once he opens himself up.
All I can say is that if you are going to read one book this year, decade, century, please makes it “Gabriel’s Inferno”. It is simply enchanting, haunting, riveting, and marvelous. There is a reason why he has built such a following, why these books are prized possessions for his readers. Yes, Gabriel is well beyond “hot” but honestly it’s the messages. The love for humanity and mankind pours from every page and a reader cannot help but be transformed and captivated. Mr. Reynard creates this sense of community and loyalty with his work. I for one will always treasure these words and carry them in my heart. One word that I use to describe this book is Hope. Hope for second chances, the heart, family, community, and finally the world.
Thank you, Sylvain Reynard for writing this story and sharing it with us.
My rating for Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard:
5 stars of perfection
Neda
i cannot agree more you just fall in love with these books i tell everyone if you read 2 books this year make these the 2
They are special. That is for sure.
I agree with every word. Like my other favourite book Jane Eyre, GI/GR have a special place in my heart. Love, hope and – to use an old fashioned word – ‘redemption’ are underpinning themes. We read and feel less lonely, less hopeless, less cold. And yes, we care for Gabriel and Julia as they are tossed hither and thither by emotions and forces beyond their control.
So much more then a romance. It truely has such beautiful messages.
Thank you for putting into words my feelings concerning GI. I have read GI and GR once, on my Kindle. Now I patiently wait until the time is right to read them again. This time, however, I will buy the actual books, because some books just need to be held.
Thank you for reading the review. These books are special. Had I never read them. I would never have meet Tamie or joined this wonderful team. I think many of us readers hold these dear to our hearts.
I couldn’t have said it better…these are modern day classics. Thank you, Neda, for your wonderful review.
Awwww. thank you Karen for taking the time to read them. I am so glad we meet through our love of these words.
I’m glad too, Neda
Beautiful and well said… I couldn’t agree more. I’m lost for words, I couldn’t even start to make a review because I don’t want to fail on my words. These books have consumed me. It took me to the depth of love and passion. Definitely the BEST book I have ever laid my eyes on.
The phasing of the story, the maturity, the romance and sensuality is all at it’s finest timing. Erotic in a subtle way. No rush and not repetitive at all. Truly a very enthralling masterpiece, a work of art. (–,)
Yes they are something else. This is why it is one of my Dave books. I could it in my top 10 of all time. They are wonderful. Thank you
Reblogged this on Anything Under the Sun and commented:
Since I don’t want to take my chance on reviewing such magnificent work of art-Gabriel’s Inverno by Sylvain Reynard…let me just show you someone who was able to perfectly deliver the good words to describe the book.(–,) I shall say, “We share the same thoughts on this…”
Wow. I am truely honored. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing some of my favorite quotes, like “You blossom under kindness, don’t you.” Great review!
Awwww Thanks Jen. They are some of my favorite quotes too. If I used all of the ones I loved. I would just copy the book. Lol
Indeed it was a breath taking love story , why do they carve such beautiful characters & make us crave for them forever ….
I just loved that part where Gabriel explains Julia , how being together & laying down on their very first meeting was enough , he was drunk yet so decent ,
I still adore that gesture ….
All I can say is yup, this books is fantastic. I only have good things to say about it.
I have just finished reading both books. The story is exquisite, the romance is very sensual and beautifully written. The love scenes are deliciously erotic, and show how much better sex is when the characters are truly in love. Thank you for such a sophisticated and intellectual story
These are my favourite books.
The success of these books is well deserved.
We love them too…SR is a brilliant writer who deserves to have all the success in the world.
We love him here at Bookish
Thank you SO much for recommending this book to me Neda! I had no doubt it was as wonderful as you said, but now that I’ve read it, its even better than I imagined. This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read (and I will keep it and re-read it.) I just finished it tonight and I already know I will have to run out tomorrow and buy the sequel! Your review is just perfect and I agree with every word!:)
I am so happy that you read them Heather. They are so special. It makes me so happy when others see their beauty, like I do.
[...] in love with Gabriel’s Inferno ( of which you can find my review here, Neda’s review here and Tamie’s review here) –first book of a trilogy ( yes, a trilogy ) where we [...]