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The Gaslight Journal
When Isabella Audley returns home to Fairtown, NY from Radcliffe for the first time in three-years she learns that her family is now poor. To this contemporary woman of 1881 high-Society whose secret desires are to abolish all rules of Society that dictate how the affluent should behave, *and* marry a filthy-rich husband, she realizes to be dead would be the more desirable option.
Excited to finally spend time with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known, her bliss is cut short just moments after returning to town.
While rummaging in the attic, "Izzy" finds her deceased father's journal. When she learns that Lilly tried to hide the secret hidden in its pages (a secret that’s already set the course for their family’s destruction), their relationship deteriorates.
Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin.
But as Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's apparent that their difference in stations, caused by her slip in status, may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.
The Gaslight Journal, René's first novel, is a historical fiction that deals with René's own fascination of societal classes and their direct effects on those who aren't accepted. Written with the beauty of the language of the day, this book is sure to become a holiday classic.
Excited to finally spend time with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known, her bliss is cut short just moments after returning to town.
While rummaging in the attic, "Izzy" finds her deceased father's journal. When she learns that Lilly tried to hide the secret hidden in its pages (a secret that’s already set the course for their family’s destruction), their relationship deteriorates.
Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin.
But as Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's apparent that their difference in stations, caused by her slip in status, may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.
The Gaslight Journal, René's first novel, is a historical fiction that deals with René's own fascination of societal classes and their direct effects on those who aren't accepted. Written with the beauty of the language of the day, this book is sure to become a holiday classic.
- GenresFiction
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2010
About the author
Carla René
12 books35 followersI'm currently taking a medical break from my studies of pursuing double doctorates in Astrophysics and Applied Mathematics and working as an award-winning and published coloured pencil artist.
A professional stand-up comedienne, tv/stage/film actress and a published author, you've seen my work on NBC sitcoms, Zanies, and the Kennedy Centre in DC to name just a few.
I am on an eternal mission to prove to my parents that they should've used birth control.
I have three whiny, maniacal, co-dependent and I-swear-they-drop-acide-behind-my-back cats who treat me as if I'm the hired help.
I want to meet the guy who designed the little plastic thingy inside women's wallets so I can smoosh his head into one.
Really--I wish for so little.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 13, 2011
The Gaslight Journal
Author: Carla René (http://www.carlarene.com)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Part family drama, part romance, and part social critique, The Gaslight Journal is a charming throwback to 19th-century novels of manners.
Summary:
Upon Isabella "Izzy" Audrey's return home from Radcliffe, she is stunned to learn that her family's wealth has disappeared. Now shunned by her former Society friends, she's ill-prepared for the even more shocking truth behind her family's suffering.
Review:
Written in conscious imitation of a style more common in the 19th century than the 21st, The Gaslight Journal clearly shows the author's love of the 19th-century novel of manners. This throwback style isn't confined to the plot's focus on social interactions and social conventions. Everything from the pacing to the dialog tag choice evokes an old-fashioned writing style. There is more than a little time spent in careful (but not excessive) description, the occasional use omniscient viewpoints, and a leisurely-paced plot focused on psychological suffering, relationship states, and social status. While this may not be for every modern reader, I personally found it a rather pleasant change of pace.
The Gaslight Journal succeeds rather well in creating and maintaining the atmosphere of the time. The character interactions, both in their positive and negative aspects, reflect the realities of the period. In addition, the scenes and descriptions clearly paint a picture of a different time. However, these details are never overwhelming.
Izzy herself is a likable protagonist. Though she's still very much a product of her time and social station, she is just feisty enough to allow for plausible agency given the setting. The secondary characters all come across as realistic and interesting products of their age. Many of them are used to efficiently explore some of the cruel social realities of shallowness of late 19th-century American high society. While this novel is focused more on Izzy's travails then criticizing the hypocrisy of high society, there are still a number of scenes that highlight and examine such themes. However, the novel focuses entirely on a vary narrow social milieu, so it is not an indictment of all the socio-economic travesties that occurred during the time period.
Given that the author doesn't confine herself to Izzy's POV, I thought there could have been more effective development of some of the antagonist characters. Their motivations weren't clear to the very end, and the value of the dramatic tension generated by the mystery surrounding their motives did not, in my opinion, quite outweigh the value that would have been gained from a deeper understanding of those characters.
Though the story is more a novel of manners than a romance novel, there are romantic elements. However, the pacing of the relationship is a bit uneven. While there is a good argument to be made that it is fitting with some of the patterns seen in some of the older novels that inspired the novels, a bit more time developing those aspects and smoothing out the pacing would have made for a more satisfying romantic sub-plot overall.
Although it is beyond the scope of this review to discuss them in detail, I will note that the author included several additional short stories in various period settings at the end of the novel. Those who enjoy the style will welcome the additional treat.
Overall, The Gaslight Journal is a diverting and pleasant tale of a likable young woman striving against social circumstances beyond her control.
Author: Carla René (http://www.carlarene.com)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Part family drama, part romance, and part social critique, The Gaslight Journal is a charming throwback to 19th-century novels of manners.
Summary:
Upon Isabella "Izzy" Audrey's return home from Radcliffe, she is stunned to learn that her family's wealth has disappeared. Now shunned by her former Society friends, she's ill-prepared for the even more shocking truth behind her family's suffering.
Review:
Written in conscious imitation of a style more common in the 19th century than the 21st, The Gaslight Journal clearly shows the author's love of the 19th-century novel of manners. This throwback style isn't confined to the plot's focus on social interactions and social conventions. Everything from the pacing to the dialog tag choice evokes an old-fashioned writing style. There is more than a little time spent in careful (but not excessive) description, the occasional use omniscient viewpoints, and a leisurely-paced plot focused on psychological suffering, relationship states, and social status. While this may not be for every modern reader, I personally found it a rather pleasant change of pace.
The Gaslight Journal succeeds rather well in creating and maintaining the atmosphere of the time. The character interactions, both in their positive and negative aspects, reflect the realities of the period. In addition, the scenes and descriptions clearly paint a picture of a different time. However, these details are never overwhelming.
Izzy herself is a likable protagonist. Though she's still very much a product of her time and social station, she is just feisty enough to allow for plausible agency given the setting. The secondary characters all come across as realistic and interesting products of their age. Many of them are used to efficiently explore some of the cruel social realities of shallowness of late 19th-century American high society. While this novel is focused more on Izzy's travails then criticizing the hypocrisy of high society, there are still a number of scenes that highlight and examine such themes. However, the novel focuses entirely on a vary narrow social milieu, so it is not an indictment of all the socio-economic travesties that occurred during the time period.
Given that the author doesn't confine herself to Izzy's POV, I thought there could have been more effective development of some of the antagonist characters. Their motivations weren't clear to the very end, and the value of the dramatic tension generated by the mystery surrounding their motives did not, in my opinion, quite outweigh the value that would have been gained from a deeper understanding of those characters.
Though the story is more a novel of manners than a romance novel, there are romantic elements. However, the pacing of the relationship is a bit uneven. While there is a good argument to be made that it is fitting with some of the patterns seen in some of the older novels that inspired the novels, a bit more time developing those aspects and smoothing out the pacing would have made for a more satisfying romantic sub-plot overall.
Although it is beyond the scope of this review to discuss them in detail, I will note that the author included several additional short stories in various period settings at the end of the novel. Those who enjoy the style will welcome the additional treat.
Overall, The Gaslight Journal is a diverting and pleasant tale of a likable young woman striving against social circumstances beyond her control.
November 24, 2010
When I got this I didn’t know what to expect. The last time I read something by this author it was a series of digital shorts put together: they were cute and humorous. Please feel free to go back through our archives for that. Today though, we are featuring a full length feature by Carla Rene’ that is almost a 180 degree turn from that, a Christmas story, The Gaslight Journal. Here is the synopsis of the novel:”
“Sometimes, you can't go home again...The year is 1881. In spite of being in America, how you appear to Victorian high-society determines your future. Isabella Audley is on Christmas break from Radcliffe, returning home for the first time in 3 years to Fairtown, NY. Grieving the loss of her father, who died of pneumonia a month before leaving for school, she is excited to finally spend holiday with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known. When the only life you've known shatters around you, and your choices are limited...But her bliss is cut short with rumours of a tragedy that's befallen her mother. While rummaging for decorations one afternoon, "Izzy" finds her father's journal, after being told of its destruction. She learns its shameful secret that's already set their path for ruin. Soon, it's evident that Izzy and Lilly's relationship may not stand against Lilly's deception at having full knowledge of the secret all along. Chances are slim that a love destined from the start will survive. Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a dark secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin. As Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's soon apparent that their difference in stations may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.”
Quite a mouthful I must say, but what else would one come to expect from Carla Rene’? I enjoyed the way she fleshed out her characters and gave them a reason to find other issues with each other besides the passing of her father. Life never seems to be that easy. I enjoyed going on the journey with Isabella and the townspeople. The plotline was nice for this time of year and everything seemed to fit as she made me comfortable with all the uneasiness surrounding all the little secrets that hovered around and around. Will Thomas, Izzy, Lilly and the gang enjoy a good Christmas and find the happiness and serenity they hope and wish for? Whose secrets trump whose? Is Carla Rene’ a good author whose work should be read and enjoyed? I will only answer the last question, and that would be a resounding yes. Check this out and add it to your lists of novels to enjoy this Holiday season.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Sometimes, you can't go home again...The year is 1881. In spite of being in America, how you appear to Victorian high-society determines your future. Isabella Audley is on Christmas break from Radcliffe, returning home for the first time in 3 years to Fairtown, NY. Grieving the loss of her father, who died of pneumonia a month before leaving for school, she is excited to finally spend holiday with her mother, Lilly, see cherished friends, and step back into the life of privilege she's always known. When the only life you've known shatters around you, and your choices are limited...But her bliss is cut short with rumours of a tragedy that's befallen her mother. While rummaging for decorations one afternoon, "Izzy" finds her father's journal, after being told of its destruction. She learns its shameful secret that's already set their path for ruin. Soon, it's evident that Izzy and Lilly's relationship may not stand against Lilly's deception at having full knowledge of the secret all along. Chances are slim that a love destined from the start will survive. Only Thomas, a childhood friend, whom she soon discovers has a dark secret of his own, has it in his power to pull them from ruin. As Izzy finds herself falling for him, it's soon apparent that their difference in stations may prevent them from finding the happiness they were meant to have.”
Quite a mouthful I must say, but what else would one come to expect from Carla Rene’? I enjoyed the way she fleshed out her characters and gave them a reason to find other issues with each other besides the passing of her father. Life never seems to be that easy. I enjoyed going on the journey with Isabella and the townspeople. The plotline was nice for this time of year and everything seemed to fit as she made me comfortable with all the uneasiness surrounding all the little secrets that hovered around and around. Will Thomas, Izzy, Lilly and the gang enjoy a good Christmas and find the happiness and serenity they hope and wish for? Whose secrets trump whose? Is Carla Rene’ a good author whose work should be read and enjoyed? I will only answer the last question, and that would be a resounding yes. Check this out and add it to your lists of novels to enjoy this Holiday season.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
May 12, 2011
Storyline: Ms. Carla Rene seems to have been born in the wrong century and I mean that in the best way possible! The Gaslight Journal is an excellent foray in the Jane Austen and Charles Dickens’ style of writing.
It is the early 1880s, prime Victorian age in the United States and propriety and society is the end all be all of any young lady’s existence. Miss Isabella Audley is a member of that same high society and while home from college for Christmas, she learns what it truly means to be shunned and to be loved by people she would have never expected to do one or the other.
After a strange comment upon her arrival in town, Isabella begins to see that things aren’t what she originally thought them to be. After she finds her father’s journal, the ugly truth changes her life forever.
Grammar/Spelling: I noticed some slight errors – very slight issues. For example (and this might be one of 3 errors that I noticed): “She continued to struggle; he continued to stared.” Correct these small instances and The Gaslight Journal is perfect!
Character Development: Ms. Rene’s characters each fulfill their part in the grand scheme of the era: social climbers, snarky socialites and the occasional genuine good soul that manages to look past social status.
Isabella is a smart, out-spoken and vivacious young woman and is hard-pressed to keep her thoughts to herself. As much as she bucks against the tradition of the Victorian Age of thinking, she enjoys her status as one of affluence. Though, somehow (through sheer talent by Ms. Rene, I’m sure!), she is still quite likable even with her sometimes shallow outlook on the world around her.
Izzy is quite easy to relate to because as a modern woman (read: I’d have been burned at the stake back then!), I too have a hard time keeping my thoughts to myself and refuse to let society dictate how I should interact with those around me.
Writing Style: As I stated before, The Gaslight Journal could easily fit into a collection of stories written by Jane Austen or Jane Eyre (Must have been a very popular name for the era!). The only thing that it lacks is the considerable length that is normally associated with their great works. Though, in these modern times, the length was perfect!
Continuity: There were no issues with continuity.
Overall Rating: 3+
I have to admit, I would have never chosen to read this novel on my own as this style isn’t really my cup of tea (hardee har har!). But, I’ll be darned if I didn’t end up really liking this work!
Ms. Carla Rene’s The Gaslight Journal would make an excellent “starter” novel for even younger readers to help pique their interest for other books in this genre.
Ms. Rene has even included some splendid short stories at this end of this book and these only add credence to her mastery of this style of writing.
It is the early 1880s, prime Victorian age in the United States and propriety and society is the end all be all of any young lady’s existence. Miss Isabella Audley is a member of that same high society and while home from college for Christmas, she learns what it truly means to be shunned and to be loved by people she would have never expected to do one or the other.
After a strange comment upon her arrival in town, Isabella begins to see that things aren’t what she originally thought them to be. After she finds her father’s journal, the ugly truth changes her life forever.
Grammar/Spelling: I noticed some slight errors – very slight issues. For example (and this might be one of 3 errors that I noticed): “She continued to struggle; he continued to stared.” Correct these small instances and The Gaslight Journal is perfect!
Character Development: Ms. Rene’s characters each fulfill their part in the grand scheme of the era: social climbers, snarky socialites and the occasional genuine good soul that manages to look past social status.
Isabella is a smart, out-spoken and vivacious young woman and is hard-pressed to keep her thoughts to herself. As much as she bucks against the tradition of the Victorian Age of thinking, she enjoys her status as one of affluence. Though, somehow (through sheer talent by Ms. Rene, I’m sure!), she is still quite likable even with her sometimes shallow outlook on the world around her.
Izzy is quite easy to relate to because as a modern woman (read: I’d have been burned at the stake back then!), I too have a hard time keeping my thoughts to myself and refuse to let society dictate how I should interact with those around me.
Writing Style: As I stated before, The Gaslight Journal could easily fit into a collection of stories written by Jane Austen or Jane Eyre (Must have been a very popular name for the era!). The only thing that it lacks is the considerable length that is normally associated with their great works. Though, in these modern times, the length was perfect!
Continuity: There were no issues with continuity.
Overall Rating: 3+
I have to admit, I would have never chosen to read this novel on my own as this style isn’t really my cup of tea (hardee har har!). But, I’ll be darned if I didn’t end up really liking this work!
Ms. Carla Rene’s The Gaslight Journal would make an excellent “starter” novel for even younger readers to help pique their interest for other books in this genre.
Ms. Rene has even included some splendid short stories at this end of this book and these only add credence to her mastery of this style of writing.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews