“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
