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Eden Undone
How do you get from paradise to murder in a single generation?
If Genesis were literal... then... what would have happened if Eve had said no? That simple question leads to a magnificent parable of sin and grace, loss and joy, hope and redemption.
When Eve rejects the serpent’s temptation, all of creation breathes a sigh of relief, until another is asked the same question.
Their answer will tear Paradise apart.
How will the fallen relate to the unfallen, and how will God treat those who have spurned His perfect will?
A tale accessible to all, from young to old: whimsical and thought-provoking, funny and tragic, gentle and powerful...
If Genesis were literal... then... what would have happened if Eve had said no? That simple question leads to a magnificent parable of sin and grace, loss and joy, hope and redemption.
When Eve rejects the serpent’s temptation, all of creation breathes a sigh of relief, until another is asked the same question.
Their answer will tear Paradise apart.
How will the fallen relate to the unfallen, and how will God treat those who have spurned His perfect will?
A tale accessible to all, from young to old: whimsical and thought-provoking, funny and tragic, gentle and powerful...
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 20, 2015
To say that I loved 'Eden Undone' would be an enormous understatement. Anna Lindsay's opus has touched me in a way very few writers have, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis among them. The former chapters in their portrayal of the relationship of Adam, Eve and the animals with God paint a picture of innocence that humanity has largely lost, and is seen only in the simple trust of mystics and children. Most people who profess belief in God, myself included, see and seek but a shadow of God. The Living God is abstracted away, and what is left is the Pure Actuality of the Philosophers. As a result, to the Philosopher, God can often only be spoken of by negating material and temporal and conditioned things in general, what is called apophatic theology. This is not to denigrate Philosophy, God forbid, for does not faith build upon reason? But reason can go only so far in attaining the knowledge of God. To know God as He is, one needs direct communion with God, what is called the Unio Mystica. And this is what the character of Shemid teaches us. That brings me to the latter chapters, wherein the author has painted a picture of the characters which paradoxically fills the mind of the reader with both abhorrence and pathos. The character of Cain, in particular, is despicable, and yet he inspires pity in the reader's heart. I suspect that this is indeed what the author has intended, and I'm filled with admiration for a well-crafted story. To sum up, the book as a whole is edifying, and it is my prayer that by the gracious will of God, may she write many more such uplifting works. Amen.
September 4, 2015
Like children gone astray Adam and Eve destroyed their connection with God the First Sin. However, if Eve had not disobeyed God, then paradise would have been preserved, if only for a while. Through Eden Undone, Lindsay explores what would have happened if someone else succumbed to evil. Christian themes concerning the importance of honoring God plus the usurping power of His unconditional love foster hope for humanity.
Despite being disobeyed, unappreciated, and disowned, God continues to love His children unconditionally. In fact without His unconditional love, mankind is doomed. Without God, those cast out of Eden and future generations are constantly angry, abusive, and refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. Those who remain in Eden honor God throughout their long and carefree lives. They extend the same unconditional love of their Father toward themselves and others.
Overall, Eden Undone is a well-organized idea of how humankind would have been temporarily spared had Adam and Eve not eaten the forbidden fruit. Intriguing insights into human nature, a plethora of imagery, along with intellectual dialogue among God, humans, and animals create yearnings for the paradise one can only phantom. As a result, unbridled bliss of life in Eden followed by heartache after Creation is forever adulterated transform into vicarious experiences.
Despite being disobeyed, unappreciated, and disowned, God continues to love His children unconditionally. In fact without His unconditional love, mankind is doomed. Without God, those cast out of Eden and future generations are constantly angry, abusive, and refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. Those who remain in Eden honor God throughout their long and carefree lives. They extend the same unconditional love of their Father toward themselves and others.
Overall, Eden Undone is a well-organized idea of how humankind would have been temporarily spared had Adam and Eve not eaten the forbidden fruit. Intriguing insights into human nature, a plethora of imagery, along with intellectual dialogue among God, humans, and animals create yearnings for the paradise one can only phantom. As a result, unbridled bliss of life in Eden followed by heartache after Creation is forever adulterated transform into vicarious experiences.
June 24, 2015
First thing first, I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The most important to keep in mind while you read this book is that it is meant to be a work of fiction and not an actually retelling of the book of Genesis.
I really liked the story although I found the first part being a little bit slow. But, as soon as you arrive to the second part it picks up the pace.
It is an interesting story. It's the author's theory as to what if Eve had said no to the serpent. She also tries to figure out how, in only two generation, can the humans go from being in Eden to fratricide.
To me the story was interesting and the author brought a lot of interesting theories as to how things turned out the way they have. Also, while reading the book, you can clearly see that she brings up theories as to how things came to be how they are today.
But I have to admit that I had some issues with some of those theories. I don't agree with everything she has put in the books, but I do understand that it's her personal point of view. I believe the point of the book is not as much to bring theories for us to adopt and believe but to ignite a reflections on our first parents.
Overall a good book if we keep in mind it is fiction.
The most important to keep in mind while you read this book is that it is meant to be a work of fiction and not an actually retelling of the book of Genesis.
I really liked the story although I found the first part being a little bit slow. But, as soon as you arrive to the second part it picks up the pace.
It is an interesting story. It's the author's theory as to what if Eve had said no to the serpent. She also tries to figure out how, in only two generation, can the humans go from being in Eden to fratricide.
To me the story was interesting and the author brought a lot of interesting theories as to how things turned out the way they have. Also, while reading the book, you can clearly see that she brings up theories as to how things came to be how they are today.
But I have to admit that I had some issues with some of those theories. I don't agree with everything she has put in the books, but I do understand that it's her personal point of view. I believe the point of the book is not as much to bring theories for us to adopt and believe but to ignite a reflections on our first parents.
Overall a good book if we keep in mind it is fiction.
August 23, 2015
The author has captured a very creative view of what it would have been like in the early days of being in the garden of Eden. It was more extensive than I thought than when I began the book and I must admit how I loved the relationship between the animals and humans. Very heartwarming indeed. Thank you for letting me read this interesting book.
November 25, 2015
I received this book for free through goodreads giveaways. I really enjoyed this book. It's such a beautiful, moving, fictional story about the innocence and wonderment at the start of the garden of eden. It was a pleasure to read.
August 22, 2017
I love reading fiction that explores the stories behind the Biblical narrative, and I also enjoy books based on a "what if?" premise, so I was instantly drawn to Anna Lindsay's novel. In Eden Undone, Lindsay revisits the creation story as told in the early chapters of Genesis, and asks what would have happened if Eve had refused the apple. She gives a captivating insight into what a close relationship with God could look like if it were untarnished by the Fall. This is then contrasted with later generations who choose to defy God, and the damaging effects this has not only on their relationship with Him, but also with one another.
I found this an intriguing concept, and it certainly made me think more about what my own relationship with God should look like. I think I would have liked the fallen characters to be a little more nuanced, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I found this an intriguing concept, and it certainly made me think more about what my own relationship with God should look like. I think I would have liked the fallen characters to be a little more nuanced, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews