Gabriel's Redemption discussion

Is this 3rd book going to be an end to what has been a fantastic trilogy? I personally hope not. SR, The Professor and Julia have captured the imagination, and hearts of thousands.
It's not just that though. It has opened so much more for me. A deeper interest in art & culture. Looking deeper into the reasons for living and loving the way we do.

I'm certainly not ready to say goodbye yet. x

Unless SR has room to manoeuvre regarding future character development or plot creation, it's more than likely that Gabriel and Julia have reached the end of their fictional lives.

Sad as it is (and for SR more than anyone,) sometimes it's better to end a series on a high rather than it peter out into possible plot replays etc.

Having said all that, (and parenthetically speaking, laying aside my pragmatic-lensed spectacles,) who knows what magic SR can weave? I saw a church noticeboard today advertising two musical events: 'The Raising of Lazarus' and 'The miracle of Jairus' Daughter.'

Over to you SR (sends you lots of comforting goodies) x

Sheila

I totally agree on wanting to end on high, it all depends on if The Professor & Julia have ran their course. As Tom Stoppard once said "Good things, when short, are twice as good".

It's just so sad!! :(

If there is one thing I know, it's that SR is an exceptionally talented and lyrical writer (aside from him being a genuinely nice guy with a great sense of humor). I think we all (including SR) feel ambivalent about saying goodbye to the series that brought us all together -- here, on Twitter, on FB, on blogs. For many of us who met the Professor several years ago, we know the complexity of how he came to be. And, while I adore the Professor, I know that after Redemption, it will be time to say "Shalom." All that Gabriel can do (for SR, for us) has been done as we learned the lessons of redemption and forgiveness for others as well as for ourselves.

I say that, not because I wouldn't want to read about Gabriel's exploits until the cows come home -- but because I know-- I feel-- that SR has so many other characters living in that glorious imagination of his. It's time to set them free -- if he chooses to. And, I hope he does.

Why? Because he has so much more to teach me. About Art. Literature. Grace. Selflessness. Faith. Not just through Gabriel and Julia, but through new characters and new books still unknown. And I have no doubt that his loyal readers have taught him some things, too -- probably unexpected but good things nonetheless.

I, for one, am anxiously awaiting his next book after Redemption. Not because he writes it, but because I know that his talent will not disappoint -- him, or us. After all, we share the journey as writer and reader.

If you happen to read this, SR -- you know that I love and admire you and will be your friend always -- even if you never write another word (although that is unlikely). As I have said before - you have lots of peeps in your corner that have taken up residence there. "No worries."

Terry, you've put things so eloquently I do hope SR sees your comment. As you know, I'm a relative newcomer to the SR Family. I'd seen references to The Professor's development and maturation, but hadn't taken onboard the full implications until I read (and re-read) Inferno.

SR's work does indeed cover a broad church, as we all know. The ability to infuse art, music, history and literature with the very human passions and rarely miss a beat while doing so is a rare and precious gift. A gift which SR returns a thousandfold via his unfailing politeness, kindness and compassion.

I've taken so much from the books and hope that I in turn have said 'Thank You' in my small way.

Sheila xx

Sheila wrote: "Terry, you've put things so eloquently I do hope SR sees your comment. As you know, I'm a relative newcomer to the SR Family. I'd seen references to The Professor's development and maturation, but ..."

You have said thank you to SR in so many ways! (Your computer artistry, for one!) Goodbye isn't easy, but sometimes it's necessary. And, we're only saying goodbye to a character -- the best is yet to come. :)

Terry wrote: "Sheila wrote: "Terry, you've put things so eloquently I do hope SR sees your comment. As you know, I'm a relative newcomer to the SR Family. I'd seen references to The Professor's development and m..."

Thank you, Terry. I think we, along with SR, will be needing copious draughts of Flirtinis/Cosmos/Veuve Clicquot and Laphroaig before December is out. And industrial-sized boxes of tissues ;)

Sheila xx

I echo Sheila's words Terry. I too am relatively new to the SR Clan. I think, once I re-read both books, so much more will make itself known and I will learn even more than I do now.

On a personal front, I have felt that to accept forgiveness is hard especially when you feel that you don't deserve it. Through SR though, I can see that it is possible, it has to be in order to move on, redeem yourself & teach others the same. For that, I have a lot to thank SR for.

I do sincerely hope that, even if this is the end of a wonderful journey for The Professor & Julia, that SR continues on his journey of being the exceptional author that he is.

Mandie. x

Hi Mandie,

To quote SR- "it's all about redemption." I had to read the books enough times to memorize them until I accepted it. So, I know what you mean, and I am also very grateful for the lessons learned. Welcome to the family. lolol Oh,and not for nothing? Gabriel gives me the hots, so I will miss him, too. :)

It would be rude not to mention the His Sexual Hotness, Gabriel. Hehe!! :)

Thank you everyone.
(speechless)
SR

You're most welcome SR.

I do hope that what will be a sad end, will lead to a new wonderful beginning. x

SR, it's you who deserves thanks for enabling us to come together and discuss and appreciate your work to date (and what's to come.)

A well-known British actor who has a world-wide following once said 'I can't quite believe that by just doing a job, so many people will come to see me.'

It's the most talented people who rarely acknowledge their own gifts.

Enough pontificating. I have doughnuts. And tiramisu. ;)

Sheila x

Sylvain wrote: "Thank you everyone.
(speechless)
SR"

Speechless?? That would be a first! lololol (Just kidding)

*Splurts coffee over keyboard* ;)

I agree Mags

Smiles