Sylvain Reynard's Blog - Posts Tagged "gabriel-s-inferno"
Art- Holiday's Painting
Dear Everyone,
As promised, I'll be posting on the artwork related to my new book, "Gabriel's Inferno," over the next few Tuesdays.
Last week, I discussed Gustave Doré, noting the contrast between his illustrations of Dante's Divine Comedy and those of Sandro Botticelli. The Digital Dante Project provides access to both collections. (Unfortunately, their links to Salvador Dali's pictures have been taken down)
http://bit.ly/kvgMPr
As promised, I'll be posting on the artwork related to my new book, "Gabriel's Inferno," over the next few Tuesdays.
Last week, I discussed Gustave Doré, noting the contrast between his illustrations of Dante's Divine Comedy and those of Sandro Botticelli. The Digital Dante Project provides access to both collections. (Unfortunately, their links to Salvador Dali's pictures have been taken down)
http://bit.ly/kvgMPr
Art - Fra Lippi's "Madonna and Child with Two Angels"
Dear Everyone,
In one of the scenes in "Gabriel's Inferno," two of the characters visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto in order to view a visiting exhibition of Florentine art.
(Parenthetically, it should be noted that the snarky narrator does not like the recent renovations to the ROM and he says so, in his own inimitable way.)
.... www.sylvainreynard.com
In one of the scenes in "Gabriel's Inferno," two of the characters visit the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto in order to view a visiting exhibition of Florentine art.
(Parenthetically, it should be noted that the snarky narrator does not like the recent renovations to the ROM and he says so, in his own inimitable way.)
.... www.sylvainreynard.com
Announcements - Amazon Ranking
Happy (belated) Canada Day.
Happy 4th of July.
Happy Monday.
"Gabriel's Inferno" is #24 on Amazon's Top Rated Contemporary Romance Kindle ebooks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/top-rated/di...
Scorching Book Reviews has voted "Gabriel's Inferno" its Standout Novel of June.
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
Thank you for your support.
All the best,
SR
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
Happy 4th of July.
Happy Monday.
"Gabriel's Inferno" is #24 on Amazon's Top Rated Contemporary Romance Kindle ebooks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/top-rated/di...
Scorching Book Reviews has voted "Gabriel's Inferno" its Standout Novel of June.
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
Thank you for your support.
All the best,
SR
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
Literature - John Donne
Dear Everyone,
Professor Gabriel Emerson is a professor of literature. He’s a Dante specialist, but like most literature professors he’s widely read in many different languages. (He’s proud of this, of course, but freely admits his deadly sin of pride in addition to the other six.)
[For an excellent article on C.S. Lewis’ use of the Seven Deadly Sins in the seven volumes of The Chronicles of Narnia, click here.]
In the novel “Gabriel’s Inferno,” there is a scene in which Professor Emerson remembers the metaphysical poetry of John Donne, which he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford. (Magdalen was also the college of C.S. Lewis and some say that the stone figures in the cloister quadrangle were the inspiration for the stone figures in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.)
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
Professor Gabriel Emerson is a professor of literature. He’s a Dante specialist, but like most literature professors he’s widely read in many different languages. (He’s proud of this, of course, but freely admits his deadly sin of pride in addition to the other six.)
[For an excellent article on C.S. Lewis’ use of the Seven Deadly Sins in the seven volumes of The Chronicles of Narnia, click here.]
In the novel “Gabriel’s Inferno,” there is a scene in which Professor Emerson remembers the metaphysical poetry of John Donne, which he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford. (Magdalen was also the college of C.S. Lewis and some say that the stone figures in the cloister quadrangle were the inspiration for the stone figures in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.)
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
Literature - The Bible
Dear Everyone,
If one wanted to make sense of the references in Dante’s Divine Comedy, the first book to start with would be the Bible. Biblical characters, themes and allusions are woven throughout the three parts of Dante’s great work.
Although much of western literature once included biblical allusions, literature has changed. Today’s fiction is more likely to draw on feature films and comic books than the Bible. Much of what I consider to be the literature of the Bible is unfamiliar to many people. (MIT has an online course that some of you might find interesting)
In this post, I’d like to draw your attention to one book from the Hebrew Bible and one passage from the New Testament, solely for the purpose of enjoying their words. I’m not interested in questions of interpretation with these passages. I’m simply asking readers to approach the texts as pieces of literature and see what they think of them...
www.sylvainreynard.com
If one wanted to make sense of the references in Dante’s Divine Comedy, the first book to start with would be the Bible. Biblical characters, themes and allusions are woven throughout the three parts of Dante’s great work.
Although much of western literature once included biblical allusions, literature has changed. Today’s fiction is more likely to draw on feature films and comic books than the Bible. Much of what I consider to be the literature of the Bible is unfamiliar to many people. (MIT has an online course that some of you might find interesting)
In this post, I’d like to draw your attention to one book from the Hebrew Bible and one passage from the New Testament, solely for the purpose of enjoying their words. I’m not interested in questions of interpretation with these passages. I’m simply asking readers to approach the texts as pieces of literature and see what they think of them...
www.sylvainreynard.com
Literature - "Les Misérables"
Dear Everyone,
There is a scene in “Gabriel’s Inferno” in which a male and a female character enter into a discussion about forgiveness and penance. I don’t agree with the view of penance that is presented by the woman and neither does she (it differs from the one presented in the link above). But since the man she is speaking with is distraught, she reasons with him as best she can, taking a much starker, harsher view of penance.
She also mentions forgiveness and she does so by referencing Victor Hugo’s novel "Les Misérables." This work is arguably one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century and if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
There is a scene in “Gabriel’s Inferno” in which a male and a female character enter into a discussion about forgiveness and penance. I don’t agree with the view of penance that is presented by the woman and neither does she (it differs from the one presented in the link above). But since the man she is speaking with is distraught, she reasons with him as best she can, taking a much starker, harsher view of penance.
She also mentions forgiveness and she does so by referencing Victor Hugo’s novel "Les Misérables." This work is arguably one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century and if you haven’t read it yet, you should.
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/07...
Reviews of "Gabriel's Inferno"
Dear Everyone,
In addition to the reviews here on Goodreads, a number of book blogs have reviewed "Gabriel's Inferno." Here are a two recent excerpts, with links:
"A Tale of Many Reviews"
Reviewer: Leisha
'Gabriel’s Inferno is a lengthy read with an overwhelming sense of darkness that takes frequent trips into the world and works of Dante. This is my kind of romance! Reynard has crafted a novel that reads smoothly and beautifully all the while dealing with topics that are often uncomfortable yet intriguing. As Julia and Gabriel are facing and dealing with their personal demons, they are also dealing with their growing attraction to one another. The reader is almost always uncertain of the outcome of this novel and that feeling of uncertainty adds to the drama and to the anticipation of finding out what comes next.'
http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/?p=990
The Book Hookup
Reviewer: Tamie
'As the story progresses we learn that Gabriel and Julia share some sort of history and while he can’t seem to remember it, it becomes clear that this past connection is very important for both of them. Gabriel feels he is beyond redemption for his past sins, and Julia feels her past has obstacles she may not be able to overcome as they struggle towards a relationship they can both live with. I’m not always the most patient reader, but if the author is very good then I feel rewarded. I think it’s probably hard for a writer to decide how long to tease the audience, and in this case I think it was just long enough. It’s always interesting to me when there are major secrets in a book. An author can choose to let the you in on them, or make you wait to find them out when the character does. SR does the latter. You’re in for a lot of anticipating, and nail biting, but it’s worth it!'
http://thebookhookup.com/2011/07/28/g...
You can find links to other review here: http://www.sylvainreynard.com/p/revie...
All the best everyone, SR
In addition to the reviews here on Goodreads, a number of book blogs have reviewed "Gabriel's Inferno." Here are a two recent excerpts, with links:
"A Tale of Many Reviews"
Reviewer: Leisha
'Gabriel’s Inferno is a lengthy read with an overwhelming sense of darkness that takes frequent trips into the world and works of Dante. This is my kind of romance! Reynard has crafted a novel that reads smoothly and beautifully all the while dealing with topics that are often uncomfortable yet intriguing. As Julia and Gabriel are facing and dealing with their personal demons, they are also dealing with their growing attraction to one another. The reader is almost always uncertain of the outcome of this novel and that feeling of uncertainty adds to the drama and to the anticipation of finding out what comes next.'
http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/?p=990
The Book Hookup
Reviewer: Tamie
'As the story progresses we learn that Gabriel and Julia share some sort of history and while he can’t seem to remember it, it becomes clear that this past connection is very important for both of them. Gabriel feels he is beyond redemption for his past sins, and Julia feels her past has obstacles she may not be able to overcome as they struggle towards a relationship they can both live with. I’m not always the most patient reader, but if the author is very good then I feel rewarded. I think it’s probably hard for a writer to decide how long to tease the audience, and in this case I think it was just long enough. It’s always interesting to me when there are major secrets in a book. An author can choose to let the you in on them, or make you wait to find them out when the character does. SR does the latter. You’re in for a lot of anticipating, and nail biting, but it’s worth it!'
http://thebookhookup.com/2011/07/28/g...
You can find links to other review here: http://www.sylvainreynard.com/p/revie...
All the best everyone, SR
Music- Bésame mucho
Buenas Dias, Amigas y Amigos.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm interested in the way music can help an author set a scene. In two scenes in "Gabriel's Inferno," the song Bésame mucho (recorded by Diana Krall), plays an important role. However, the meaning of the song shifts with the narrative.
You can listen to the song on my playlist. Here are the lyrics by Consuelo Velazquez, a Mexican songwriter and pianist who wrote the song at the age of sixteen, before she had been kissed:
“Bésame, bésame mucho
Como si fuera esta noche
La última vez ....
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/08...
As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm interested in the way music can help an author set a scene. In two scenes in "Gabriel's Inferno," the song Bésame mucho (recorded by Diana Krall), plays an important role. However, the meaning of the song shifts with the narrative.
You can listen to the song on my playlist. Here are the lyrics by Consuelo Velazquez, a Mexican songwriter and pianist who wrote the song at the age of sixteen, before she had been kissed:
“Bésame, bésame mucho
Como si fuera esta noche
La última vez ....
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/08...
Kindness is never wasted
Dear Everyone,
Kindles and Kindle applications allow readers to highlight lines in a book that they find particularly meaningful or poetic. Similarly, Goodreads allows readers to add quotes from an author or to favourite those quotations.
There are two quotations from "Gabriel's Inferno" that are mentioned by readers more than any others. First, "Kindness is never wasted." Second, "Sometimes goodness doesn't tell everything it knows. Sometimes goodness waits for the appropriate time and does the best it can with what it has."
I included these ideas intentionally, associating them both with the character of Julia Mitchell. Let me explain why.
Kindness is an underestimated virtue. It's common in our society for people to champion tolerance, and rightly so. It's less common for people to go further and advocate kindness. Toleration puts up with people and their idiosyncrasies, their flaws and imperfections. Kindness welcomes people. It honours a person's humanity and dignity. It says, "You are worthwhile and valuable, just as you are."
Kindness isn't easy. But it is valuable, no matter what. Kindness is the right choice because it's the right thing to do - not because it will win us friends, or fame or money. Thus, kindness is never wasted, even though the recipient of kindness might reject us or our actions or spit in our faces, for one reason or another. Kindness makes the giver vulnerable. It can change the life of the recipient.
Julia Mitchell is not a woman who has experienced much kindness in her life. Yet, she is kind. For all her flaws (and she has many), she chooses to be kind. She chooses, even in difficult circumstances, not to hit back, not to curse, not to be bitter. Readers have had very strong reactions to her, but I think most would admit that her kindness is a virtue to be recognized and praised. As the author, I believe that the contrast between the way she has been treated and the way she treats others shows that she is a praiseworthy character.
I welcome your comments, as always.
All the best everyone and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
Kindles and Kindle applications allow readers to highlight lines in a book that they find particularly meaningful or poetic. Similarly, Goodreads allows readers to add quotes from an author or to favourite those quotations.
There are two quotations from "Gabriel's Inferno" that are mentioned by readers more than any others. First, "Kindness is never wasted." Second, "Sometimes goodness doesn't tell everything it knows. Sometimes goodness waits for the appropriate time and does the best it can with what it has."
I included these ideas intentionally, associating them both with the character of Julia Mitchell. Let me explain why.
Kindness is an underestimated virtue. It's common in our society for people to champion tolerance, and rightly so. It's less common for people to go further and advocate kindness. Toleration puts up with people and their idiosyncrasies, their flaws and imperfections. Kindness welcomes people. It honours a person's humanity and dignity. It says, "You are worthwhile and valuable, just as you are."
Kindness isn't easy. But it is valuable, no matter what. Kindness is the right choice because it's the right thing to do - not because it will win us friends, or fame or money. Thus, kindness is never wasted, even though the recipient of kindness might reject us or our actions or spit in our faces, for one reason or another. Kindness makes the giver vulnerable. It can change the life of the recipient.
Julia Mitchell is not a woman who has experienced much kindness in her life. Yet, she is kind. For all her flaws (and she has many), she chooses to be kind. She chooses, even in difficult circumstances, not to hit back, not to curse, not to be bitter. Readers have had very strong reactions to her, but I think most would admit that her kindness is a virtue to be recognized and praised. As the author, I believe that the contrast between the way she has been treated and the way she treats others shows that she is a praiseworthy character.
I welcome your comments, as always.
All the best everyone and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
Book Clubs and Libations
Dear Everyone,
Recently, Professor Emerson sat down with Julie of "A Tale of Many Reviews" for an interview. You'll want to read it and enter the contest.
Those of you who have read "Gabriel's Inferno" know that the Professor is impatient with mediocrity. This impatience is directed at persons, places and things, especially those things having to do with the pleasures of the body. He's extremely fastidious about his choice of alcohol, for example, and how that alcohol is served.
A lovely group of ladies in Texas decided to read "Gabriel's Inferno" for their book club. They put together a drink list for each chapter, which, I'm told, made their meetings even more enjoyable. Here's an excerpt from their letter to me:
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/09...
Recently, Professor Emerson sat down with Julie of "A Tale of Many Reviews" for an interview. You'll want to read it and enter the contest.
Those of you who have read "Gabriel's Inferno" know that the Professor is impatient with mediocrity. This impatience is directed at persons, places and things, especially those things having to do with the pleasures of the body. He's extremely fastidious about his choice of alcohol, for example, and how that alcohol is served.
A lovely group of ladies in Texas decided to read "Gabriel's Inferno" for their book club. They put together a drink list for each chapter, which, I'm told, made their meetings even more enjoyable. Here's an excerpt from their letter to me:
http://www.sylvainreynard.com/2011/09...
