It’ time…it’s finally time. Elena and I get to discuss Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard for the next seven weeks.
We hope you’ll join us every Saturday….ok…let’s get started!
In chapter 1 we’re introduced to Professor Gabriel Emerson for the very first time and in that particular scene he’s being rude to Julianne. What was your first reaction to The Professor?
Tamie: This may surprise some peeps, because it’s not the reaction I see from most, but I felt an instant connection and attraction to the Professor. Yes, even though he was an ass. I’m not sure I can really explain it, but I just felt there was something more…something deeper right from the get go. I just didn’t know what it was…at first, but it’s part of what kept me glued to my Kindle from the start. Seemingly perfect fictional guys can be interesting and hot, don’t get me wrong, but a guy with complex issues? I love ‘em, unashamedly. I love when an author reveals the full character bit by bit, layer by layer. To me that’s what SR does with Gabriel.
Elena : And here starts the swooning… First off, I have to say The Professor is #1 on my list of all time favorite male characters for several reasons that I’ll explain as we go on with the discussion of the chapters. Yes, in the first chapter ( and in several scenes) he’s very rude to Julianne. I was stunned that he had such a strong reaction to the fact that she didn’t answer to a question and I couldn’t understand why he was so angry with her. He intimidated me from the very beginning and I confess in this scene he upset me, but I wanted to know more about him and the reasons why he seemed so irritated. To me he was an interesting character from the start.
In chapter 2 Professor Gabriel receives sad news from his family, while he’s waiting for Julianne in his office. Julia feels compassion for him and leaves him a note. Were you surprised by what she did? What would you have done if you were in Julia’s shoes?
Elena : To be totally honest, I don’t know how I would have acted at that moment. Julia finds herself in a unique situation. She proves to be very kind and I was touched by what she did. He snaps at her in class, but she leaves him a note nonetheless. She’s kind to him despite the fact he was rude to her only moments before. I really admired her.
Tamie: I think I probably would have either knocked on the door, or coughed…loudly. I’d have been afraid of leaving a note that he might not have found, and I think I would have wanted to see if I could comfort him. Dumb, I know…he would’ve growled or yelled at me, but I can be a pretty brave soul when I think someone is hurting.
Julianne shows to be a very kind and compassionate girl from the beginning. What were your first thoughts on Julia?
Elena : Julia is one of those female characters whom I liked immediately. Again, the kindness and compassion she showed from the start made her very dear to me and I felt like I knew her. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be all right. She’s a female character I’d really like to be friends with.
Tamie: As for Julia…I’ve never really discussed her too much, and this may surprise people as well, but I didn’t love her at first…I didn’t even really like her a whole lot to be honest. Now, before anybody freaks out, calls me names, asks me if I’m nuts (yeah kinda), let me say that SR was able to change my mind about her later on within the chapters we’re discussing.
In chapter 3 Gabriel is once again an ass. Were you surprised by the scene in his office?
Tamie: I was. I really did feel sympathetic towards Julia and her clumsiness. At the same time it was pretty humorous…one of those…if it can go wrong it will go wrong type situations. Whenever I read this scene I always think to myself…yeah…if that’d been me…I’d have been crying or laughing like a lunatic at the absurdity. Yes…I was a little pissed at the Professor during all of it.
Elena: Me too, Tamie. I felt so much for Julia in that scene, especially when The Professor said : “Are you a comedian, Miss Mitchell?” If that’d been me tears of humiliation would have filled my eyes, for sure.
In chapter 4 Professor Emerson takes a wrong turn, and as a result some very interesting and surprising things happen. Thoughts?
Tamie: This is the chapter that changes my mind about Julia. I like strong women in my fiction, and I began to see that Julia could indeed hold her own with Gabriel. That was huge for me. As for Gabriel? Yup…still an ass, but the difference for me is that we begin to see a little heart as well.
Elena : I was literally holding my breath in this chapter. I was afraid Gabriel was going to snap at Julia again and I didn’t know what to expect. But I guess what seemed to be a wrong turn, ended up being a good one 
In chapter 5 Gabriel becomes aware of Julia in a different way. What did you think about his reactions to her?
Tamie: I think my first reaction was relief. You really can’t have a love story if both parties aren’t interested and attracted to each other. I enjoyed Gabriel’s reactions, and then HIS reaction to it. I felt like another layer of the Professor was revealed. An important one at that.
Elena: I had a huge smile on my face while reading this chapter. I was glad Julia began to have this effect on Gabriel. I too enjoyed his reaction to the realization of being actually attracted and drawn to her. It was as if the whole scene was happening before my eyes. I love how it’s written.
In chapter 6 Julia is enjoying Paul’s company it is said “She looked up into his warm, dark eyes and thought about how kindness was worth so much more in the world than passion.” What do you think of this last statement- of kindness being worth more than passion? Do you agree?
Elena: I believe kindness is extremely important in everyone’s life. It can touch people’s souls in ways we wouldn’t even imagine. Passion is important too but it can be fleeting. We could have it one minute and it could be gone the next, while kindness is everlasting. A simple act of kindness could change a person’s life and I think it’s important to try to always be kind even when it’s hard for us to do so.
Tamie: While I will agree overall Elena, I have to say that as important as kindness is, and in my opinion, sadly lacking for a lot of people…I feel strongly that passion is important too. A life with no passion in it would be very dull to me. I’m a person of strong emotion, and perhaps that’s why I feel the way I do.
Also in chapter 6, Gabriel sees Julia and Paul together…Discuss
Tamie: Again SR manages to surprise and delight me. This is one of many of my favorite moments. No matter how many times I read it…I laugh and I enjoy it throughly. Oh Gabriel 
Elena: I agree, Tamie. This was such a great scene. I’m partial to Jealous Gabriel
The apple orchard scene. Discuss…
Tamie: I LOVED the orchard scene for so many reasons. It explains the past connection between Gabriel and Julia, and it explains why she feels the way she does towards him. It also opens up a lot of questions though. What happened to Gabriel after that night? Why doesn’t he remember? It’s very sweet and in sharp contrast to the Gabriel we’ve known up to this point.
Elena: This is one of my favorite scenes in the book, hands down. This is the scene that changes Gabriel and Julia forever and I often find myself rereading it. I definitely didn’t expect they had met that way. The sweetness of the moments they spent together is one of the things that moved me the most.
Chapter 8…What do you think about the money the Professor gives Rachel for Julia…are we seeing kindness or something more?
Elena : I believe it isn’t just kindness. Gabriel is pretty attracted to Julianne at this point but he tries to deny it to himself. “I want her petals to open” he says. When I read this sentence, it was obvious to me that he was starting to really care about her, to nurture real affection for her. Of course it has to do also with kindness, but there’s definitely more to it than just this.
Tamie: I absolutely agree Elena. Sometimes it’s hard to admit to ourselves when something is happening that for whatever reason maybe shouldn’t. Gabriel doesn’t want to admit to himself that he feels something for Julia…other than what would be appropriate…but I know it…you know it…we all know it. It was kind as well
Your favorite sentence(s) , paragraph, scene in these chapters.
Sentences:
Elena: ” You blossom under kindness, don’t you? Like a rose.”
“You’re here now. Apparuit iam beatitudo vestra.”
” For the rest of my life, I’ll dream of hearing your voice breathe my name.”
“Then I’m glad I’m your first.”
Tamie: “Julia had been evicted from the realm of the surprised and relocated right into the land of the astonished.”
“He blinked at her like a Christmas tree, somehow having a difficult time registering the fact that she had clearly been crying in between his departure and his return.”
“If it had been Miss Peterson who he’d picked up, she probably would have leaned over and undone his zipper with her teeth while he was driving.”
“You blossom under kindness, don’t you? Like a rose.”
“He needed to go home, lie down, and breathe until he calmed the fuck down.”
” For the rest of my life, I’ll dream of hearing your voice breathe my name.”
Paragraph:
Elena: Gabriel kissed Julia as if he knew her, as if she belonged to him. His kiss was passionate and full of emotion, as if every fiber of his being had melted and spread itself on his lips only to be given to her. Her heart skidded in her chest at the thought. She had never dared to hope for such a first kiss. Somehow, as the pressure of his lips lessened, she felt like bursting into tears, knowing that she’d never be kissed like that again. He’d ruined her for anyone else forever.
Tamie: Professor Emerson took a moment to collect himself, and as he leaned against the window of the Louis Vuitton boutique, he tried to figure out what the hell had just happened. He was a rational agent. He wore clothes to cover his nakedness, he drove a car, and he ate with a knife and a fork and a linen napkin. He was gainfully employed in a job that required intellectual ability and acuity. He controlled his sexual urges through various civilized means and would never take a woman against her will.
scene :
Elena: The apple orchard scene
Tamie: When Gabriel picks Julia up in his car.
When Gabriel spots Julia with Paul.
The orchard scene.
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Holy crap peeps! So much good stuff to talk about in these chapters right?!?
Tamie and Elena
thanks ladys for a good read, i enjoyed it very much. Even with screaming in my ear:)
I just finished reading GI yesterday.
To my surprise I can’t say that I like Julia. I think she’s a little bit-somehow hypocrite in some ways.
And for Gabriel… oh my God… Hands down to SR, I’m cheating on Christian Grey for Gabriel Emerson now.
Great novel. I loved it ^^
Am I able to leave a long reply? {takes the silence as a yes}
First of all, The Professor, Gabriel, jumped off the page for me the very first sentences in the book. That first scene was brilliant both of Gabriel and Julia and Paul, in my humble opinion. I absolutely love a badass and SR captured him perfectly. Why do I love a badass? Especially an intelligent, well-educated badass? Because there is always so very much more to be discovered and unwrapped like the most delectible present. I was hooked.
Something else that struck me profoundly about SR’s writing is the unique omniscient viewpoint he writes from while capturing deeply the essence of the characters. So masterfully does he write, that he pulls you into the story, into the hearts and minds of his characters, and still you get the delicious point of view of a fly on every wall while hearing every thought in each person’s head. I’m still amazed by his proficiency with something few have the ability to master. And with his debut novel.
Lastly, because there are just so many words to say, I LOVED the orchard scene. It transported me to a place with them that was pure heaven. Their Paradise became mine. Brilliant.
Tamie and Elena, thank you so much for sharing your discussion of SR’s Gabriel’s Inferno. He is now my favorite author. It is now my favorite book. The imagery, the symbolism, the messages he portrays touched my heart and soul.
Your excitement only fuels our own.
~ Kat Bastion
Awesome comment Kat!
Thank, Racer.
Absolutely Kat
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and we’re right there with you!
Thank you again, for the discussion so eloquently shared by both you and Elena. It keeps the magic SR has shared with the world flowing.
~ Kat Bastion
Love your comment, Kat! <3
For me there is something *so* striking about this starts. People with whom I have personally shared this book echo how the Professor grabs and completely holds your attention. And think about it, at this point we only know that a gorgeous professor has yelled at a student. I would have burst out in tears. But such an electric reaction. Sparks and pheromones – a dangerous mix.
But hoo boy, the dark potion!
And the Orchard, so sweet and bittersweet. Feeding her an apple… SR weaves such beautiful symbols and visuals. Interweaving the correct atmosphere for a scene such as this is tricky. He makes it feel lovely without cheese.
I agree he does, but curiously…to me…I’ve seen many who aren’t taken with the Professor right away.
They find him interesting/attractive, etc., but they focus on “Emerson is an ass”, or decry how mean he is.
Not saying that he isn’t…just that I always knew there was so much more…from the start.
I can see that certainly, but I guess something inside me immediately sensed he was broken. My heart breaks for a such a man.
Exactly…makes you want to know more…why? what? how?
Exactly! Like he keeps wondering what happened to Julia, I want to know what happened to him.
I have never seen him as down right mean. More tortured, hurt and jaded than anything.
I completely agree, Racer. Now I know why everyone loved The Professor. And Syvlain Reynard. And now, I do as well.
~ Kat Bastion
There’s just something about his words. They wrap you up and enfold you.
Perfectly said. Steal you away and make you never want to leave.
Now you understand why SR has enchanted us with his books and tweets. <3
I agree with you all ladies. The Professor makes you want to know more about him from the very first chapter. He pulls you in immediately.
How is it your heart is inevitably snatched into a story that begins with words so cold and cutting, but in an exquisitely beautiful way? SR’s writing – that’s how…
It may surprise you to know, Tamie, but I had the exact initial reaction you did with The Professor! I asked myself (repeatedly at times) how I developed an almost instant connection and appreciation for Gabriel – a demanding, seemingly cruel, heartless and unkind character (initially, of course). Part of it for me was the obvious – wanting to delve into the “why” he was that way…knowing that every broken soul has a story to tell…
As far as Julia, I struggled with her initially (and I, too, wrestle with saying that)…I think I was most bothered by her not being able to articulate her feelings in any situation, but, then again…we are just getting to know her in these first few chapters…I do greatly admire her compassion and kindness, though.
I felt so awful for Julia when she was in The Professor’s office! I wanted to reach down and help her…and scowl at The Professor! But I have to tell you, some of the humor in that scene had me laughing out loud! Of course, SR brilliance – taking a difficult scene to read and injecting some humor into it!
Throughout these chapters, I really enjoyed the character development of both Gabriel and Julia! For Gabriel, I appreciated he admits to himself he’s self-absorbed and with Julia, I appreciated her backbone coming to light a little, especially when Gabriel invites her to dinner and she asks him “Are you sure, Professor? I thought this” – she mimicked his gesture from earlier “was not going to work.” Priceless!
Seeing Gabriel react to Julia like he did in chapter 5 really showed another side of him, and you finally know this relationship can be reciprocal. That was huge!
As far as kindness, I wholeheartedly believe kindness is worth more than passion! Why? Kindness you can provide anywhere, everywhere, at any time and to everyone! And more importantly, it’s a gift you can give yourself simply by doing it!
I would say the orchard scene is the backbone of this book and it was so beautifully written! So much insight into the story and Gabriel & Julia…I was mesmerized reading it!
Favorite quotes/phrases in addition to those already mentioned:
“Emerson is an *ss.”
“Julia’s shyness was not her primary characteristic. Her best quality, and the one that defined her, was her compassion…”
“She was momentarily lost in the frozen depths of his eyes, longing for the time when they had looked down at her with kindness.”
“You’re beautiful, Beatrice. Like a brown-eyed angel.”
Thanks Gladys…I love the insights you’ve shared. Even when peeps feel the same way it’s awesome to hear it in different ways. <3
Wonderful comments, Gladys! .. And now I don’t feel like the longest commenter! {laughs}
~ Kat Bastion
I really loved and love these first chapters, but then this is the story to which I often return. That’s about perfection.
I couldn’t agree more.
When you find yourself returning to a book over and over again?
It’s because it’s brilliantly written with characters you don’t want to let go of.
I agree YL. These books are my all time favorite ones. I’ll never forget them.
Oh, more commentary… {my mind unravels at its own pace}
One of my favorite scenes not mentioned here that really struck me was when on a whim, Gabriel decided to show Julia “…one of my most precious possessions.” For Gabriel to do so was surprising and very revealing to me. To show only one other person in the world something he so cherished told me his subconscious knew what he wanted long before he did.
One of my favorite things and most precious gifts Sylvain Reynard has given to me through Gabriel’s Inferno? An amazed appreciation and education about culture, art and literature.
It begins with the first parts of the story and continues to grow as Sylvain’s excitement and Gabriel’s excitement becomes my excitement, too.
SR has kindled within me a hunger I never knew existed. For me? Reading Gabriel’s Inferno? Only the beginning of an incredible adventure for the rest of my life.
Thanks again, Tamie and Elena for feeding our love for Gabriels Inferno. And thank you, SR. Keep sharing your love and enthusiasm for all things art, culture, music and Dante. You feed hope, love, and redemption into the world through your words.
~ Kat Bastion
I completely agree with you, Kat. This is only the beginning of an incredible adventure and for me a spur for growth and inspiration as well. So I’m eagerly waiting for next, and previous
writings by SR.
First of all I would like to say thank you to Tamie and Elena for sharing your discussion of Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel’s Inferno.
Thoughts on Gabriel:
I agree with both Tamie and Elena, I felt an instant connection and attraction to the Professor even though he was an ass (honestly, in some scenes I really want to slap him). But, then again I always found intelligence to be sexy and I felt there’s something more about this one ass professor. And my hypothesis proven on the scene where Gabriel picks Julia up in his car. He’s definitely on the list of my all time favorite male characters.
Thoughts on Julia:
I liked Julia right from the start. I think with the kindness and compassion she showed makes her one of the strongest female character I’ve ever read, because it takes a strong person with great self control to show that kind of kindness towards people like Gabriel. And I like her even more within the next chapters.
Thoughts on the writing:
I like how SR use a different variety of point of view. It makes it easier for me to imagine places, clothes and other details in the books. And it gives me a better understanding of the minds of his characters.
Favorite scene:
The Orchard scene and when Gabriel picks Julia up in his car.
I’m sorry that it was such a long reply and thank you again for sharing your discussion.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Never ever apologize for a long reply. I love long replies.
I agree about all the details in SR’s writing…it’s one of the things I love best.
It lets me see it in my mind…and that’s very important to me.
I hope you’ll come back next week and chat with us again <3
Of course I will. I’ve been waiting for Gabriel’s Inferno discussion. And I like reading other readers thoughts on Gabriel’s Inferno
Excellent…I look forward to it immensely
Thank you for your comment, Amelia! I love everything you said
Thank you Elena, I really appreciate it <3
It's my pleasure to share my thoughts on this particular discussion
Ok, no one hate me, but… Paul bugs me. **hides**
LOLOLOL! Um…you and me both babe.
I know lots of peeps adore him, but he’s just not one of my favorite characters either.
I don’t know why, but I don’t really like Paul either. There’s something about him that bothers me, just can’t put my finger on it.
Yeah, nothing specific, but Grrr
I like him, but I don’t love him.
Oh hell no! Dont you run and hide. Stand with me. I thought paul was going to be a pretty cool guy. But the mmore i read, the more i want to kick him in the face. He is like a rash that wont go away. I hate guys like that. He started to get a little stalkerish for me.
Reblogged this on Anything Under the Sun and commented:
I would never be in any other virtual place than here: Tamie and Elena’s discussion about Gabriel’s Inferno (Chapters 1-8). Join the convo anytime. I will in awhile.;) remember: there’s no time difference for your thoughts to be heard.x SR rocks!
Thanks so much for this, and I couldn’t agree more. SR does indeed ROCK! Xo
Hi! Never late for a good thoughts, no?
You ladies are angels and I’m glad to have known you.;)
All my thoughts were actually and mostly discussed here already. I just wanted to share how I felt about SR’s writing. I super love the story, (don’t we all?) and what I love most is the slow-paced of all the situations as it was extremely well told by SR. The emotions, feelings and visions are to the utmost level. I’m really not much of a fan of a fast-paced stories, though I do have some exceptions.;)
I’ve also read on some reviews that they don’t like the characters switching POV, well I find it the opposite. I was actually glad to have both POV present in the story (and I’m glad that it seems you all are). All of the characters POV for that matter. I don’t know, but I never find it hard to catch up on what was going on. I felt like watching HD on my mind as I go along, I never want to pause even for a second.
There were so many beautiful lines and I agree, the Orchard’s scene is totally one of my favorite too.
SR’s writing has brought me to beautiful places, the art, the music and literature of the story has immensely touched my heart. He is indeed my favorite author.
Thank you for putting up such lovely discussion. Looking forward for more…xxx gel
I agree about the POV. I think it’s one of the things that makes Gabriel’s Inferno different, special.
Thank you for your comment Gel. I feel the same way about SR’s writing. It’s really superb. Thank you for joining us! I love hearing your thoughts on Gabriel’s Inferno
Great post. I just dont have time for a re read. But i will be comment every sat.
The Prof is hot, no doubt, but still hasn’t budged Jamie Frasier from the top spot for me. It’s hard for me to relate to “poor me” Julia. I’ve never had a lot of sympathy for people who won’t change circumstances and deal with their past. Not that I’ve not had bad times, but you grow, learn, move on.
Catching up here. Lots of people here have said what I feel about Gabriel, Julia and Paul. Gabriel – well, for a long time I wanted to tell him not to be such an overbearing idiot; that it wasn’t big, clever, funny etc.
Then SR brought in what, for me, was the sucker punch: Gabriel weeping in his office. A glimpse of the lost soul beneath the shell. After that it was a case of watching as layer after layer of his defences were demolished by Julia’s forebearance and his need for love as opposed to empty lust.
Julia: I was ambivalent as well at first. Then she gradually showed her mettle. Paul: hmmmm – bunny fixations are so passées
SR – you’ve certainly caught this reader and no mistake. And Tamie and Elena thanks for your great review and discussion xxx
Thanks for joining in, we’re glad you enjoyed it!
Just found your site and love the discussion. Loved the books (what an understatement — I lost count of my re-reads) and totally intrigued with SR’s use of the sacred metaphors. That orchard scene really is (to me, anyway) subtly hinting at what’s waiting to come later— Gabriel as the serpent and Julianne as Eve. Almost an allegory
as so many references in the books are. He isn’t handing her just an apple- he’s handing her temptation, heartbreak,pain, etc — yummy. I am totally in awe of SR’s writing, and hope that someday he/she reveals his identity as he is a master storyteller and writes with exquisite sensitivity as he/she rolls out this story of two terribly broken souls. BTW, I have taught in a university, and yep, Gabriel’s early character is right on point — power trips, rudeness, meanness, and yet at times enormously sensitive and passionate. That is why he is so real to me! 
Looking forward to Saturday discussion. You guys rock!
I’m very happy you found us, and hope you’ll continue to join in the discussions.
Let’s go with HE until proven otherwise