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There are currently 19 member reviews
for Adam & Eve
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Kristina K. (Glendale, CA)
Adam and Eve
This novel is at times poetic, profound, ironic, while also placing a bit of a strain on the suspension of disbelief. Like other readers, I found the entire narrative thread difficult to follow...more of a loose weave than a thread, and yet I do enjoy the blending of the contemporary world with the creation myth, with references to evolutionary ancestors (Lucy), and with allusions to other religions and ancient texts. These kinds of juxtapositions offer myriad opportunities for rich discussions.
I think this book may deserve more than one reading.
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Pam S. (Wellesley, MA)
Interesting concept - disappointing execution
Although I had high hopes of an unusual and interesting story that re-imagined the story of Adam and Eve and dealt with issues of Biblical literalism and scientific knowledge, I was disappointed with Sena Jeter Naslund’s new novel Adam and Eve.
The story just didn't make sense and the characters were wooden and unconvincing, almost caricatures of the philosophical positions they represented. It felt a lot like a mash-up of sci-fi tale, political thriller, romantic idyll and lessons in ancient art and biblical discovery, with none of the threads developed enough to be credible. There are moments of descriptive beauty, especially in the long middle section in a modern-day Eden, but all in all the story line was just too far-fetched and the characters unengaging.
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Lauran L. (Orange, CA)
Adam & Eve
I read this because the story sounded intriguing and I am also a fan of the author. It started off very interesting - wow, someone is killed by a falling piano and there's life other than on Earth - you want to know more about that. And Lucy and Thom were interesting characters. But it started to drag for me about halfway through the Garden of Eden section and on to the end.
I think the book was about presenting a case to the reader that there are alternative ways of looking at our creation and that this is okay. But it was unclear to me what motivated the characters (except for Pierre) and therefore whether or not they achieved their goals at the end. The plot devices of extraterrestrial life, the codex and the Garden of Eden didn't' work for me because they didn't feel fully developed and interrelated. And in the last 30 pages where there was the 'chase' scene there was no suspense.
I think I know what the book is about because the author told me in the last few chapters and not because the story told me.
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Lea Ann M. (Seattle, WA)
Adam and Eve by Sara Jeter Naslund
I chose to review this book because I have read and enjoyed all of Ms. Naslund's previous books. I shall give her high marks for launching out into a new venue for her, but, frankly, I don't believe it works well.
There are parts of the book which defy my ability to believe the unbelievable. Too many coincidences, starting with the death by falling piano of Eve's (aka Lucy) husband. Follow this up with the mysterious crash of a plane piloted by Lucy into an area that is populated by most of the Earth's plants and animals in a small area likened to Eden. Here Lucy rescues Adam and my disbelief could no longer be suspended.
Ms. Naslund has some lyrical writing within the book. I was especially caught up with samples such as, "While his nostrils constricted to stem the flow of fetid air, his jaw opened, and the air entered the little cave of his mouth and wiped itself on the plushy carpet of his tongue. From sentences such as that we are too often then subjected to long pages which read more like text books.
Readers who are interested in Biblical studies, plots to reveal or suppress new finds about Bible history and the possibility of life in outer space and in fantasy may find this book of interest. I was disappointed in the book.
Meanwhile, Ms. Naslund continues to be a sought after author, a favorite as it were. However, I feel she missed the mark with this volume and look forward to a better display of her talents in her next effort.
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Chris W. (Temple City, CA)
Adam & Eve
This book includes intriguing topics for discussion. Much of the writing is quite lovely but much of the plot is improbable and has confusing gaps. The extraterrestrial story line could have been discussed in more detail. The relationship between Adam and Lucy and their healing process was well written. There are many ideas for book clubs to discuss although the author could have developed these theories more fully and spent a little less time in Eden.
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Diane S. (Batavia, IL)
Adam & Eve
While I enjoyed the characters of Lucy and Adam, I have to admit that I found this book to be a bit confusing. Even though it encompasses the subjects of religion and science which is much discussed during our own period of history it requires the reader to suspend belief to a level which I found difficult. The theories the book proposes are interesting, the book is very well written and anyone involved in the science vs. religion debate will find this novel stimulating.
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Elise B. (Macedonia, OH)
Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve is the story of a man, Adam, and a woman, Lucy (Eve), both with deep emotional scars, meeting in a present day Garden of Eden. Lucy carries with her proof from her late husband, that alien life forms do exist, and an ancient codex concerning the human authorship of the book of Genesis. This part of the story line is very well written and a fascinating look into their past, emotional scars, and differing religious views. The last quarter of the book, however, diverges into ancient cave art and unusual relationship twists which made the end of the book confusing and odd.
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