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
…more 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. (less)