21st out of 32 books
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124 voters
Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream (The Gastien Series #1)
by
Caddy Rowland (Goodreads Author)
When young Gastien Beauchamp flees the farm for Paris, the late nineteenth century bohemian era is in full swing. Color has always called to him, beseeching him to capture it on canvas and show people a new way of seeing things. His father belittled his dream of being an artist and tried to beat him into giving it up. The dream wouldn’t die, but Gastien would have had he n...more
Paperback, 492 pages
Published
August 1st 2011
by Createspace
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Gastien, by Caddy Rowland, is an interesting story set in an era and a nation that I haven’t read much about before. The writing style resembles that of F.Scott Fitzgerald, though it lacks his poetry and lyricism.
The positives: fully developed, relateable characters involved in a tightly written, character driven plot. One grows to sympathize with, but not pity, Gastien even as you mentally plead with him to see the dangers he courts and walk away from them.
The negatives: Rowland has a tendency...more
The positives: fully developed, relateable characters involved in a tightly written, character driven plot. One grows to sympathize with, but not pity, Gastien even as you mentally plead with him to see the dangers he courts and walk away from them.
The negatives: Rowland has a tendency...more
This book was mesmerizing! It is not for the faint of heart because of language and abuse. With that said, I truly have fallen in love with Gastein!
Gastein was placed on this Earth on a farm with lots of siblings. It was in France in the 1900's and his father very abusive physically and verbally. With Gastein being the oldest he got the brunt of the beatings. His heart was never into farming. His mother, a former schoolteacher, did teach all the children how to read, write,do math, and enjoy ar...more
Gastein was placed on this Earth on a farm with lots of siblings. It was in France in the 1900's and his father very abusive physically and verbally. With Gastein being the oldest he got the brunt of the beatings. His heart was never into farming. His mother, a former schoolteacher, did teach all the children how to read, write,do math, and enjoy ar...more
I love the stories of artists that overcome extreme adversity and realise their dreams and bring countless masterpieces to the world. Caddy Rowland’s Gastien tells one such story of an artist in nineteenth century France. This is the first in a series of books with two further parts available at the time of writing.
The novel tells the story of Gastien, who is raised on a farm by an abusive father and a loving mother. As the eldest child, Gastien is expected to take over the family business but h...more
The novel tells the story of Gastien, who is raised on a farm by an abusive father and a loving mother. As the eldest child, Gastien is expected to take over the family business but h...more
Set in France toward the end of the 19th century, we follow the hero Gastien from childhood to adulthood. The eldest son of a peasant farmer who abuses his wife and beats his children, Gastien is singled out by his father for particularly harsh treatment because he dreams of becoming a painter. However, his father's brutality only spurs the young Gastien on, he leaves home for Paris where he ends up living rough on the streets until fate takes a hand and gives him a boost. Even then, when Gastie...more
Review by Ashley Rosenberg at limerencemag.com
In Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream by Caddy Rowland, we are introduced to Gastien, a young worker on his father’s farm. It is soon realized that Gastien has lived a very hard life under his father’s constant abuse, both physically and emotionally, that his mother is powerless to stop. Through the terrors and beatings that Gastien endures, he finds the time to sneak in his love of drawing and painting. As Gastien comes of age, he leaves his fami...more
In Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream by Caddy Rowland, we are introduced to Gastien, a young worker on his father’s farm. It is soon realized that Gastien has lived a very hard life under his father’s constant abuse, both physically and emotionally, that his mother is powerless to stop. Through the terrors and beatings that Gastien endures, he finds the time to sneak in his love of drawing and painting. As Gastien comes of age, he leaves his fami...more
This book was provided to me by the author for review on my website: http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com
This book quite litterally took me for a ride. A very impassioned ride on a rather large Roller Coaster of emotion. In the first few chapters of this book I experienced many different emotions and was thrown for a loop experiencing each of them over and over throughout the book!
First of all I want you all to know that I am NOT a cryer! I don't cry over sad movies and I don't cry when I read...more
This book quite litterally took me for a ride. A very impassioned ride on a rather large Roller Coaster of emotion. In the first few chapters of this book I experienced many different emotions and was thrown for a loop experiencing each of them over and over throughout the book!
First of all I want you all to know that I am NOT a cryer! I don't cry over sad movies and I don't cry when I read...more
This is the story of a young boy, Gastien, growing into a man , and the journey he takes along the way during the 1800s in France. It begins with him at the age of 43, and the rest of the book is a flashback of what brought him part of the way to that point. Overall I really enjoyed this story much more than I expected I would.
Gastien starts out as a young boy, oldest of 10 Beauchamp children who live on the family farm. He is abused by his father, both physically and verbally. Gastien dreams o...more
Gastien starts out as a young boy, oldest of 10 Beauchamp children who live on the family farm. He is abused by his father, both physically and verbally. Gastien dreams o...more
Caddy sent me “Gastien: The Cost of the Dream” for review. I had a vague idea what the story would be about but I had no idea it would be so emotionally profound. If you’re looking for a cheery, easy-breezy, romantic novel this is not it. Caddy gives readers a look into the life, from child to young man, of the determined and resilient artist Gastien. Throughout the book I had feelings of joy, admiration, sorrow, fear, disgust, disappointment, and anger. There aren’t too many books that can ring...more
I was given the opportunity to read and review this book by Caddy Rowland herself. I didn’t really know what it was about as such and wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I truly enjoyed it. This book is the first in the series.
The story takes place in nineteenth century France. The reader is first introduced to the main character Gastien Beauchamp, as a 43 year old man, in his studio at Montmartre. Then we learn about him growing up and at what cost he would achieve his one real dream in life.
Ga...more
The story takes place in nineteenth century France. The reader is first introduced to the main character Gastien Beauchamp, as a 43 year old man, in his studio at Montmartre. Then we learn about him growing up and at what cost he would achieve his one real dream in life.
Ga...more
I really enjoyed the story of Gastien. I found myself looking forward to reading about him and his triumphs and tribulations. It's a well written story.
I wish there had been more details about the clothes that people wore, the foods they ate, etc. What did Gastien read? Who were his favorite authors? Dumas? Hugo? Did his mother ever make him read Plato or Shakespeare? How educated and well read is he? And who were his artistic influences? The Impressionist painters were still living at that tim...more
I wish there had been more details about the clothes that people wore, the foods they ate, etc. What did Gastien read? Who were his favorite authors? Dumas? Hugo? Did his mother ever make him read Plato or Shakespeare? How educated and well read is he? And who were his artistic influences? The Impressionist painters were still living at that tim...more
I will be the first to admit this is not my usual type of book to read, but I like that it was different and took me out of my normal comfort zone.
Gastien is born to be an artist, colour is his passion and his art his reason for living. This book follows his troubled life from `disappointing' first-born son of a hard (and evil) farmer in the rural Parisian outskirts, to struggling artist and successful lover in bohemian Paris. Following a row with his father he is forced to turn his back on his...more
Gastien is born to be an artist, colour is his passion and his art his reason for living. This book follows his troubled life from `disappointing' first-born son of a hard (and evil) farmer in the rural Parisian outskirts, to struggling artist and successful lover in bohemian Paris. Following a row with his father he is forced to turn his back on his...more
What were the main themes of the book? In a way, this book was about becoming an adult and the challenges faced by someone who perseveres to follow his dreams.
Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - Then he whispered, “Use the brush like you used your other tool last night. Master it. Make it speak for you, create for you.” Throughout the book, the author's writes in a poetic / smooth manner.
Two - "His meal was eaten while he sat on the sand, watching darkness fall over the water." T...more
Describe 2 different settings or locations. One - Then he whispered, “Use the brush like you used your other tool last night. Master it. Make it speak for you, create for you.” Throughout the book, the author's writes in a poetic / smooth manner.
Two - "His meal was eaten while he sat on the sand, watching darkness fall over the water." T...more
Gastien (Part 1: The Cost of the Dream) is an interesting novel, a blend of history, sex and artistic dreams. It is an illustrative glimpse into a past world decorated with steamy sex and colour.
Set in 19th century France, book tells the beginning of Gastien’s story, a French peasant who wants to be an artist. It details his abusive childhood, his escape to Paris, new friendships and sexual relationships, and the suffering he endures to fulfill his aspirations.
The novel’s strength is in its main...more
Set in 19th century France, book tells the beginning of Gastien’s story, a French peasant who wants to be an artist. It details his abusive childhood, his escape to Paris, new friendships and sexual relationships, and the suffering he endures to fulfill his aspirations.
The novel’s strength is in its main...more
Gastien is the son of a prosperous farmer in France. Instead of taking over the farm, he dreams of being a great painter. His father abuses him severely in hopes of crushing his dreams but it only makes his convictions stronger. When he turns 18, he leaves home in hopes of not only finding someone to study painting with in Paris, but to be a better lover to women than his father is to his mother.
When he reaches Paris, Gastien finds himself on a situational rollercoaster where it goes from a chan...more
When he reaches Paris, Gastien finds himself on a situational rollercoaster where it goes from a chan...more
This book, by Caddy Rowland was one of the most emotional reads I have ever read. I am not a crier, I never cry, not watching sad movies, reading sad books, I am not a crier. Period. However, while reading this, I had experienced so many different emotions, that I had never thought possible while reading only one book! I was riding one of the most emotional rollercoasters! At times, I would cry as I felt for Gastien, and at other times throughout the story, I would smile and laugh.
The story and...more
The story and...more
Cover - Absolutely fits the story and the artistic feel one gets from Gastien is definitely carried on to the cover.
Formatting / Appearance - There were no issues at all.
Content - I really liked this story this young man who sets out to find more in life. He faces all kinds of challenges and the reader is left wondering if and when he will give up.
What I liked - This book was an emotional read because it didn't explore just one theme or romance. Readers were able to feel sad, challenged and lo...more
Formatting / Appearance - There were no issues at all.
Content - I really liked this story this young man who sets out to find more in life. He faces all kinds of challenges and the reader is left wondering if and when he will give up.
What I liked - This book was an emotional read because it didn't explore just one theme or romance. Readers were able to feel sad, challenged and lo...more
By Caddy Rowland
Reviewed By: Crystal Trent Dotson
This story really takes you on a journey, starting with Gastien as a young boy being abused by his father who thinks Gastiens dreams are feminine. But his mother does try to help him and she wants him to follow his dreams. Gastien knows he don't want to be stuck on a farm forever , as he goes into adult hood , he finds it hard to let anyone close to him , all he wants is to become an artist in Paris and be a great lover. With so many ups and downs...more
Reviewed By: Crystal Trent Dotson
This story really takes you on a journey, starting with Gastien as a young boy being abused by his father who thinks Gastiens dreams are feminine. But his mother does try to help him and she wants him to follow his dreams. Gastien knows he don't want to be stuck on a farm forever , as he goes into adult hood , he finds it hard to let anyone close to him , all he wants is to become an artist in Paris and be a great lover. With so many ups and downs...more
Caddy Rowland will take you on a trip back in time to 19th Paris, where you have to be rich to have running water and electric lights. Where men and women starve to death in the streets on a daily basis., I felt like I was right there in the 19th Paris with Gastien. Gastien is a charming, handsome man that you will be drawn to. Caddy's writing style is very smooth and easy to follow. I was afraid with all the French words it would be confusing and hard to understand. But with glossary in the fro...more
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com / for book lovers and readers.
BRIEF SUMMARY
We are introduced to Gastien, in the beginning of the story, age forty three. The next chapter and throughout the book takes us on a journey of Gastien's life from boy hood to that point where he is in his now in his life.
THOUGHTS
I have to start out by saying this was a very well thought out and detailed story, and I commend the author. Gastien definitely had many sides to him throughout this story, all due to his upbr...more
BRIEF SUMMARY
We are introduced to Gastien, in the beginning of the story, age forty three. The next chapter and throughout the book takes us on a journey of Gastien's life from boy hood to that point where he is in his now in his life.
THOUGHTS
I have to start out by saying this was a very well thought out and detailed story, and I commend the author. Gastien definitely had many sides to him throughout this story, all due to his upbr...more
Almost 500 pages and a story set in 19th century France, you would think that this story will drag at some points. Honestly, it doesn't. Gastien has so many different sides to him, you will be thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
He is street smart and wants to succeed in life, hence the emotional bits that enable you to connect to Gastien and the ups and downs of his life. Halfway through the book and just as you think, his life is taking a turn for the better, things go downhill for G...more
He is street smart and wants to succeed in life, hence the emotional bits that enable you to connect to Gastien and the ups and downs of his life. Halfway through the book and just as you think, his life is taking a turn for the better, things go downhill for G...more
This book was incredible…..it drew me in like a moth to light, somewhat addicting. I could not wait to read what was going to happen next. It was extremely hard to put down. It was almost like being inside Gastien’s head or reading his diary as things happened, feeling his pain, triumphs, heartbreaks and happiness. Highly recommend this book.
I was surprised to discover that this book was written by a woman, because it had a distinct feel of being written by a chauvinistic man! This book is filled with very adult content, the kind of stuff that would make you feel dirty if you were reading it in public (or in my case, at work).
There were a couple of minor errors, but overall it was sound editing.
I would have liked this book more if it had more storyline and less sex without romance. It had the feel of a porn, where it's all about t...more
There were a couple of minor errors, but overall it was sound editing.
I would have liked this book more if it had more storyline and less sex without romance. It had the feel of a porn, where it's all about t...more
Nov 10, 2011
Whitney
marked it as wishlist
I'd probably just get this for the cover. But it does sounds nice. :D
Review link http://networkedblogs.com/sFcOb
Excellent book, this is the first half of Gastien's life. I had a hard time putting this down because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I fell in love with Gastien almost from the start. He was so focused on his dream and refused to let anything get in his way, but of course there are many bumps along the way. If your like me plan on buying the next book as soon as your done with this one.
4.50 stars
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Caddy Rowland grew up in the Midwest with a...more
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FOR FREE DOWNLOAD OF FIRST 83,000 WORDS OF GASTIEN (Amazon may not always be free and is beyond my control):
http://goo.gl/U5B9m mobi
http://goo.gl/TQtGZ epub
http://goo.gl/J49F2 .pdf
http://tinyurl.com/kb9hhly Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/mne8m9u I-Store
http://tinyurl.com/m2bdew2 kobo
Caddy Rowland grew up in the Midwest with a...more
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