Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream [NOOK Book]

Incredible!

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.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Terrific book!

This book was not quite what I expected but that is what makes it so great. Gastien is a true survivor and his trials are many but somehow he makes it through with thoughts of his dream constantly in his mind. Can't wait to get to book 2!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Loved this book Reviewer for Bookaholics bookclub

My Review:
First I will say this is definitely a book for adult readers, with lots to keep the adult reader entertained with explicit sex scenes, violence and adult topics.
The character of Gastien in this book is intriguing, and with him being very different from the rest of his family, causing many problems as he is growing up. Following Gastien through his life you find that as you learn more about his character you grow to love and live the life that he does. The life lessons learned as you follow Gastien though all of his troubles are well wrote and believable.
The background story in this book is amazing and really brings to life Gastien’s life as he grew up in France in the 19th century when everything is very different to living life today in France. I found that the use of French terms was an amazing asset and well thought out by the author, really bringing you into the story, as well as adding that little extra, and I found that this really did make the book more enjoyable.
The author has helpfully put a full glossary at the front of the book with all the French terms and what they mean, as well as added the translation in the book at the first point it is used, so I would recommend reading this book even if the French within it would normally put you off it is definitely worth reading.
I found that I was absorbed into this book from the very first chapter, loving and feeling along with the characters. It is a testament to the author that the storyline flows so well, with well placed and in depth sex scenes that are not for the faint hearted. There are also many other adult topics that are covered within this book that are well wrote and really compelling to read. In all I really enjoyed the flow and story within this book following along with the life lessons learned. I will be heading over to the next instalment of this book very soon to find out what else life has in store for Gastien as he goes through his life.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must read!

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 plot was exciting, and I was eager to know what was going to happen next, what was going to happen to Gastien! The story flowed very well indeed, the characters were extremely well thought-out and just the amount of detail that was describing everything was amazing!

I absolutely loved every second, even if at some points, my heart was breaking. I am so happy that Caddy Rowland let me review this book, and I am eagerly anticipating the next part! Thank you!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

You won't be able to stop turning the pages!

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.

Gastien is brought up on a farm. The eldest of his siblings, he is expected to work hard even as a little boy. His father is a very cruel man who beats him often and gives him verbal abuse. All poor Gastien wants to do is to be able to paint and be an artist, but his father thinks his dream is too feminine and doesn¿t want to know about it. Luckily for Gastien though, his mother believes in him and helps him as much as she can even though she also gets beaten. When Gastien is nearly eighteen he is kicked out of his home by his father and so makes his own way to Paris. He faces many hardships including sleeping on the streets and having to search in the garbage bins for food. A lot of the time he doesn¿t know where his next meal will come from. Being a young man he is also anxious to explore his sexuality and wants to be a great lover. He wants women to enjoy sex. But he doesn¿t let himself get too close to anyone. He wants to be an artist and can¿t have anything getting in his way.

I found this book to be very addictive reading and thought it to be very well written. I really felt for Gastien and all he went through. Just when he seemed to be getting back on his feet something else would happen. Some of the things he went through were just shocking. He was forced to do the most awful things just so he could get money in order to be able to rent a studio for himself. I guess when you are really desperate though you take all kinds of risks.

I found having the glossary at the front of the book to be very handy. Some of the language was pretty colourful to say the least, but it sounded good in French. The author has also included an endnote for each French word the first time it is used, as a reminder.

If you enjoy reading this book, I¿m sure like me you will be waiting eagerly to read Part 2 which will be out soon. I certainly can¿t wait to read it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful journey

I finished this book last night, and I am still thinking about Gastien tonight. I think that really says something significant about this young man and his story. He really has a heart of gold, I only hope it stays that way. This is the story of Gastien, and the journey he takes as he grows from boy to man 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. 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 of becoming a professional artist, rather than taking after his father farming cauliflower and other vegetables. And due to his upbringing of abuse, he is determined to basically never allow anyone to get very close to him emotionally. Yet along the way he does make a few close friends that I believe will be there throughout his life. Gastien is a jumble of dichotomies. He is a bit arrogant, yet naïve about his true self; mean and off-putting, yet innocent and needy; raucous and raunchy, but sweet and thoughtful; immature yet wise beyond his years. I truly enjoyed getting to know him. It was very interesting to see him go from an abused boy, to a fearful yet brave teen, to a homeless young adult, to a brazen yet damaged man. There were parts of this story that made me very sad, a little ill, excited, happy and hopeful for his future. The timeline covers years, and you get to see how he grows and changes, blooms and withers under the circumstances he lands himself in. I loved meeting some of the other characters in his life, I felt they truly added a richness and comfort he desperately needed.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful read!

This book was provided to me by the author for review on my website: Intoxicated by Books

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 sad books. (usually) However, this one was very different for me. I litterally had tears rolling down my cheeks on more than one ocassion while reading this. I laughed out loud quite often too, and also found myself smiling at other times. I have never felt so much emotion from reading one single book before.

Caddy Rowland did a wonderful job with this book and I am certainly glad that she asked me to review it for her. I can't wait for Gastien Part 2 so that I can find out what happens with Gastien and Sophie.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL

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 so many emotions from me but this one did it. I loved that this book was from a male perspective. The hardships Gastien endures to achieve his dream are unfathomable. Just when I had hope that his life was going in a positive direction another disaster would strike and they only got worse. This poor character could not catch a break. At one point towards the end of the story, I literally had to pause after each page to compose myself. I knew I had to read the story completely to give a fair review but it was so emotionally exhausting that I had to prepare myself when I knew certain situations were only going to get worse. Gastien is a charming, intelligent, talented and determined character. While I admired his willingness to work hard to achieve his dream, I didn't like that he was willing to sacrifice his dignity to do so. I also didn't care for his dismissive attitude towards the ramifications of his sexual marathons. For a character who so adamantly didn't want to be tied down by marriage or babies he doesn't take any precautions to ensure he doesn't get women pregnant. In my opinion this book would have been just as good without the in depth sexual situations. The language used is mildly vulgar but because the terms are in French it tones it down somewhat (there is a glossary of terms so you understand the French meanings). Caddy packs no punches for political correctness in this book. She includes topics of abuse, homelessness, homosexuality, power struggles, and the question of what would you do to achieve your dreams. I'm sure we've all looked at someone's situation and told ourselves we would never make the choices they did for the desired outcome. This book will open your mind to the realization that until you have been in the 'exact' position not to judge others for their choices. I give "Gastien: The Cost of the Dream" 4/5 stars. The only reason I don't give this book a five star rating is because I save that for books I would reread. This story is so intense and wrung me out emotionally that I could not bring myself to read it again. That being said if you are a reader willing to push beyond your boundaries I strongly recommend getting this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is great for people who like historical fiction.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good story.

Pulls you in and captures your heart

Wonderful, compelling read! Challenges your own thoughts, dreams and soul! Cannot wait for Part 2! Thought I would miss Gastien but cannot seem to get him out of my head.

Captivating! A must read!

Either I like a book or I don't. I LOVED this book and with it Gastien himself! It is like the author "lived" the character! I cannot wait for Part 2!

This will touch your heart and soul

Hard to put down and will awaken all your senses, leaving you looking for more. Wonderful story the author really known her character, it is like they have a special connection. How did you do that Caddy?

This book hit me in the gut

Once I started reading, I could not stop and stayed up way too late. The main character becomes so real that you feel everything that happens to him. Although some parts are very dark, you can't put it down. I wonder what will happen in the next book?

I highly recommend this book.

I fell in love with Gastien. His story is going to captivate you.

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