The Next Best Book Club discussion

I'm reading by
Sylvain Reynard if you would like to discuss the book you are welcome to join here.

Thanks for starting this discussion group!
All best,
SR

I can't wait until I get the book. Read the online version before it was re modelled and that was outstanding. I'm interested to see the new version! What do you think so far?

Looking forward to this!

I, too, read the online version prior to its being remodelled and am now on page 220 of the new version. I thought the original was outstanding in every way and I am loving this new version page by page. I love to read the quotes I remembered that continue to be so descriptive and poignant. I'd buy this novel again and again. It's a great read to treasure and savor.

I am very excited to read the remodeled edition! I found the online version to be one of the most beautiful and moving stories I've read. I've only just started the book but am already falling in love with it again. :)

Are all of you guys new to the group? I don't recognize any of you from the threads...

I'm fairly new to goodreads in general and joined this group earlier today. Still getting my bearings...

Loving the new book, hard to put down as usual and crazy hard because we can actually keep reading without waiting for a new chapter. Sequel will be amazing now doubt.
This day went so fast because I was reading it whenever I wasn't working.

Hi All ~ I am new to this thread but an avid fan of SR. In fact, I would not be here at all if it weren't for his fabulous book finally being brought here. Yellowshoes and I frequently participated in a thread dedicated to SR's fan fiction. He's an accomplished writer and I agree with Yellowshoes about SR being a gift. We are so lucky to have what he shares with us.

Agreed he is a gift!

Hello everyone! I'm only at the beginning of chapter 9, but I'm enjoying my re-read of the book. I found the name changes disconcerting at the beginning, but am slowly warming up to them. I'm glad to see that for the most part, the locations have remained the same.

I was in the process of re-reading the story back in September, so there are pieces I remember and pieces that I don't. The Rodin reproduction of "The Kiss" that sits on my fireplace though has new meaning now.

Once a bunch of people have finished reading their copies, it will be interesting to see what everyone's thoughts are about the work as a whole.

Wendy I think the name change was hard as well, but I found small comfort that his name is Emerson, for some reason just having that E in his name helps. LOL

It's actually the names of the secondary characters that are throwing me for a bit of a loop. I'm still trying to equate them to the names that I knew previously, which I know I shouldn't do. Kind of like when I translate english to french and vice versa. I suck at that :)

I personally adore the name Gabriel and am very happy with SR's choice. Paul still feels like a Peter though. LOL

Lori,
I too am new to Goodreads in general and jumped at the chance to discuss Gabriel's Inferno. :)

Hi Lori, Hi lovely friends.

I'm new to TNBBC too. I joined the bookclub and the discussion for The Ghost Trap, after Mr. Reynard marked it to-read.

I enjoy the book-cover hunt game and am excited to discuss Gabriel's Inferno, The Ghost Trap, and the coming monthly reads.

xo
Cee

I'm thrilled to see so many new members.

Please be sure to check out the group rules before venturing too far... ok?

How did you all hear about the group?

Hi Lori ,
I noticed from SR's profile, who is one of my favorite authors,that he joined your group and decided to check it in...and I am glad I did.

Lori wrote: "I'm thrilled to see so many new members.

Please be sure to check out the group rules before venturing too far... ok?"

Lori - I've checked out the rules, and aside from the possibility of spoilers, is there anything else that we should know? Or, is there a specific thread that has everything listed?

Hello,

First, please excuse my mistakes in English, especially with the tenses.
I was reading novels and fics to improve my English when I discovered SR... and became addict to the story and a big fan of the author.
I found the topic very intelligent and enjoyed the great author's culture and humanism.

I have to wait to have my book delivered in France (it's a little longer) and I hope UPS will be fast.

I'll come back to discuss when I have it.

I'm really looking forward to getting my copy of this book. I loved the earlier story that "Gabriel's Inferno" is based on, and I eagerly awaited every chapter. The protagonist's journey to redemption is so moving, and I love the references to art, literature, and philosophy that are woven throughout the story.

SR is indeed a gifted writer. I'm so anxious to have the book, and join in the discussion.

Hey Mingo, Dippy, BD and others I recognize ;-)

I can't wait to dive in. I am holding off until I catch up with a few other reads, because i know I will be engulfed once I start just as I was for UOEM. I did glance at the dedication and Acknowledgment with sighs, tears and swoons. SR you are so generous! I also like that he started with Dante and Beatrice before diving into "Ms Mitchell". There is where I stopped before the fall. Thanks for starting this group! I found it through SR. He also just tweeted about it.
Iris~Elli. I was elliedgasmswoon on the thread . ;-)

I am on Chapter 14 of the Kindle version, and I believe I am seeing more of the "inner thoughts" of Gabriel in print than in the, eh, UoEM version. And I was obsessive, I read it 12 times before it went offline to be reworked. Sneaky, SR, Sneaky. I love this book! Looking forward to buying my "physical" copies soon.

Something random:

“I'll make an excuse. And I'll buy her a bottle of sixteen year old Lagavulin. It would resurrect the the dead."

At first, I thought this meant the Lagavulin must be that good. Ok, it is that good since the Professor does not accept mediocrity. But after friends actually tried the scotch, I have come to believe that the acquired taste thereof (read: nasty) will really wake up the dead. *chuckle*

Back to reading.
Have a great day, wherever you all are.

I have skimmed the Kindle edition; waiting for the book. I am excited to be able to share this story with others and not have them think its "Twilight". The story itself is so powerful. Here's to a great read!

I've finished the PDF version and I still love the story while I await the printed copy! I agree with the others that the Dante and Beatrice prologue is wonderfully fitting. I really liked the presentation of the story with the stylized scripted chapter heading font and the large initial character, as well as the scripted curlycues that are used as separators within the chapters. I also agree with the others about the names Gabriel, Grace, Rachel and even Paul, but the name Julia was harder to get used to. I guess I was expecting something more biblical. I also enjoyed reading SR's explanation of the cover images on his site. I'm anxious to hear from others as they complete it and comment about where it ended and about possible sequels. SR is so very talented and is indeed a gift to us all. He is so deserving of the multitude of praises and successes.

I've just read (page 327 in the ebook) about the secret ingredient in the pie crust and it brought back memories of the challenge SR presented to his readers "back in the day" to guess what that magic ingredient must have been.

A secret ingredient in pie crust coupled with sculpture and artwork and wine to be enjoyed with a refined palette while appreciating great music...who else but SR can whet our appetites for literature that intrigues, titillates, and satisfies?

Now to return to one great read. I just had to share the delight of remembrance. I love this author and I'm loving this reworked novel.
Jbabs/Jaxon/Barbara

My husband and I bought a bottle of Laphroaig today. (The single malt Scotch he drinks at The Lobby with Julia and Rachel)PEATY does not begin to describe it. PEAT BOG is more like it. I will stick with my Hendrick's. LOL.

LOL. Been there, done that, totally agree.

O.o <----- at SR

Debbie, Elletee,

I applaud your bravery. *snicker-snort* :)

LOL, We've changed our minds about Laphroaig. Frozen glasses and 10cc spring water per shot glass make all the difference. Measuring matters.
I wonder if SR is a drinker or a great researcher?!

Just completed PDF tonight. I just adored this story when SR first posted it. I was so excited when April 19th finally arrived. Took a little while to get use to Julianne/Julia but, overall, I am so happy with how it turned out. Love the name Gabriel. So fitting.

Honestly, the way SR writes just oozes with sensuality. Even when we are being educated by the impeccable SR, there's just something about his words that move me. And as Barbara mentioned above, reading this again brought back many wonderful memories of SR challenging us after each chapter.

Congratulations SR. Looking forward to more.

Debbie wrote: "LOL, We've changed our minds about Laphroaig. Frozen glasses and 10cc spring water per shot glass make all the difference. Measuring matters.
I wonder if SR is a drinker or a great researcher?!"

(sigh) Both, Miss Debbie!
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the story!

Enjoyed the (Kindle) book. Sad, "Deb" is a villian.
That's my nickname. Simon has been "too elevated", LOL. Have reviewed. Visiting Toronto in the fall.
Still adore you SR, however ! Love, Deb & Phillip(name unbesmirched by SiR) ----Laphroaig and Kendrick's lovers

I finished the PDF the same day the hard copy was delivered. I read the original as it was printed in chapters. I'm making a LONG list of things I loved about this book and things I missed from this edition. One thing that remained unchanged was the extraordinary talent SR, the writer, generously shares with us. He is an amazing word crafter and he constructs enviable plots. There simply isn't enough space here to continue, but I'll be back with my list. Have a great Monday, all. Go gently on the Laphroaig and Kendricks. I've heard it isn't for the faint of heart.

*eyeballing the Laphroaig*

As I'm still wating for my book to arrive.

I have been sorely tempted to purchase an ecopy, but I really, really want the tangible experience of turning pages with this one.

*the wait continues...*

It was great! Can't wait for part 2.

*Runs through thread with book in hand*

WHOOOOOOHOOOOO!

Jennifer wrote: "*Runs through thread with book in hand*

WHOOOOOOHOOOOO!"

ROFL

Hi everyone ,
I finished the book a week ago,and of course I loved it..Are you up to discussion? (giving opinions and posting our favorite quites ,what/who liked/disliked the most on the book )or do you think we can wait a little longer,to give others time to finish reading?

Hi Sara,

I'm about halfway through the book but feel ready to begin discussion. Looking forward to it!

Finished the book, hands down the best. I was nervous at first but I don't know why. SR has an amazing talent with words and snarky-isms. I will read this over and over no doubt. "I am but a peasant in the court of a king":, bows head to SR.

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Sara,

I'm about halfway through the book but feel ready to begin discussion. Looking forward to it!"

Jenn, I still am imagining you running through the thread with your book. Snort...

Well, it's hard to run and read at the same time but I do my best.

Jennifer wrote: "Well, it's hard to run and read at the same time but I do my best."

Of course LOL ;)

Jenn, Sara, you make me laugh. And remember good times. :)

Ready when you are.

-I already read the unpublished version on FF and I was captivated from the Prologue. The way Sylvain captured and drew his characters is only of a talented writer. I myself am a huge fan of Dante's work and I'm currently studying Italian to read his works. It's an enchanting and a magical language that lures you in with it's magnificence. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of 'GI'. I'm sure the new and published version will not disappoint.

-Sylvain man, you ROCK :)

Good times, indeed.

And I hope we'll be discussing SR's works for many years to come.

:D

Hello Jenn ,Rainy and Cee, we can start our discussion with general questions and as it goes everyone can participate in the way they like..

1-Gabriel and Julia are closely modeled on Dante and his beloved Beatrice . What reasons do you think the author may have had for choosing as a base of his own creation ?
2-How does the third nature of the narrative work to build, alter and then mould our response to the characters?
3-Can you imagine this book translated into film? What details would you keep, and what would you change? If you were casting the film, what actors would you choose?
4-What passages were most viscerally powerful for you?

5-It started with apple ( Orchard scene )and then lemons ring and...Discuss these and other passages in which SR employs the symbolism of fruit....and don't forget Gabriel's sights eating chocolate cake ..(licking and moaning ..damn him for doing that to Julia ..)