Eden: Biblical Fiction of the World's First Family: The Fall of Man, Book 1

The author researched Genesis far more than I had imagined. It brought me to see Eden, the fall and life afterwards in a fresh light. What grief must have been felt to lose so much. It helped me to see my own selfishness, that leads to petty bickering, in a new light as well. There is hope, fortunately. This grief leads to repentance!

The story of Eden calls to our souls on the deepest level - the beginning of everything, the gorgeous creativity when all was right with the world. Brennan McPherson brings that all to life. Adam and Eve, walking in the garden with God."For we were the product of His imagination. Brought into being by his very Words. Sound. That is what we were. And within that sound? Words, melody, rhythm, tone, complexity, meaning, love, beginnings, endings, everything that is or will be flowing from the tongue of my Father."McPherson, in showing us Adam's responses toward his wife, the attraction, and the confusion, gives us insight into Everyman."Completion only carried a portion of rightness. More words took shape until they overlapped to form a greater concept. 'Woman,' I said."When Adam and Eve began interacting with the serpent, I found myself thinking, 'No, Eve! Don't do it! Adam, stop her!'"She pointed, but the serpent was gone. 'I didn't hear it say anything,' I said. 'That's the strange thing. It never speaks, but I still hear its words.' 'Is it the same serpent who gave you cucumber seeds?" She nodded, enthusiastic. 'He was the one to give me the idea to craft a pitcher with a handle. And the elevated bed, and those swimming techniques and---' My eyes widened. 'I thought those were your ideas. She shrugged. 'I have learned to listen to the serpent when it speaks. It is a clever one. Still, it only gives hints. I have had to figure out how to make it all work. So, really, I am the clever one, am I not?' She grinned mischievously and pressed her shoulder into my chest."Eden tells a story of light and dark, as is only appropriate. Still, I appreciate how McPherson layers God's continual reach down to Adam and Eve, throughout their lives. The story is a message of hope and a way of escape from the mess Adam and his line of sons and daughters have gotten ourselves into.Told almost like a fantasy tale, the tone feels right. There's so much we don't know about the details of how it all happened. But we have the whole Bible to give us insight, yes? That's the goal of all writers of biblical fiction and Brennan McPherson includes a very helpful section at the end, explaining some of his sources and reasoning for the fictional choices he made.Highly recommended to those who love reading ancient historical fiction and for those who read Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, Jill Eileen Smith, Carol Towriss, and Tessa Afshar.

When Eden by Brennan McPherson was offered us to be read through Celebrate Lit, I was excited. I had read his Babel, #3 The Fall of Man, and loved it. Eden is book one in that series. I am not so much a fan of this book. “Man’s pervasive fallenness compared with God’s incredible mercy” is McPherson’s stated theme. I could relate to man’s incredible fallenness, though I felt it was heavy and dark. I could not see so much of the incredible grace of God.Eden includes some action but is in a large part a book of attitudes and memories. It’s the sad tale of Adam and Eve, after creation, sinning and losing their place of fellowship with the Father. Not only is life now cursed, but Adam spends much of his life trying to win Eve’s love. Eden gives the impression Adam can only have God’s love or Eve’s following the fall. Eve alternately loves Adam or is angry and bitter at Adam. Then Adam withdraws, hurting Eve, and the cycle repeats as Eve falls away from not only a relationship with Adam but her original trust in God. I found there was way too much emphasis on the discord between Adam and Eve. It was difficult to read, as Eve seemed very evil and cruel, but yet the Father holds Adam responsible for her behavior. Once again, as I read the notes at the end, I began to understand why McPherson wrote this way, but I feel God ultimately holds each person responsible for his/her own sin. Also, “God” seems to demand unreasonable obedience, as in the First “Day of Atonement.” God may ask us to do the hard, seemingly impossible, but He understands our human limitations. God’s supposed demands on Eve that day do not show the God of either the New or the Old Testament Law concerning birth. I think it would be fair to say I am very uncomfortable with making God a “character” in Biblical fiction.Again, when Cain and Abel bring their differing sacrifices to the Father, some will, like me, have difficulty with the reason McPherson gives as to why God was unhappy with Cain’s sacrifice. I agree it had to do with pride. However, God made it clear sins could only be atoned for by a blood sacrifice. So the fruit of the earth as a sacrifice? One other thing I must mention. McPherson, in his notes, admits to including some fantasy. In my thinking, fantasy has no part in Biblical fiction.The notes at the end actually caused me to pause and think. I looked up the birth of Cain and Abel in several versions. Is it possible they were twins? With the textual notes McPherson added, I would have to say that’s not impossible, although not what I’ve been taught.I also understood better why he wrote as he did. I wish he would have had footnotes to refer the reader to his notes. I could have read with a more understanding heart.Many people may not be bothered by the examples I’ve mentioned. This book may also be for you if you enjoyed The Shack.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.

Eden begins with beautiful descriptions the author uses to fill in the bible narrative using scripturally based possibilities of what life was like with the Father before the fall of man. The only problem I had was the number of chapters used to show us this life. The author presents a well thought out contrast of before and after the fall—the fall showing the depravity of man. One must remember in biblical fiction, the story is built from a foundation of truth using the author's imagination and knowledge of scripture to create possible scenarios. The theme of the Father's love prevails throughout the book and offers glimpses of the hope that is to come. It's a good read and well written.

You wrote You're desire will be contrary to your husband.The Bible says your desire will be for your husband.

Thank you to the author for bringing a fantastic story to life. Bible stories are hard to do especially with the old testament it's all so dry and boring and I appreciate how the author used fantasy elements to make this story come alive. The purists won't like it and as usual will probably accuse the author of adding or taking away I don't see it that way at all. It's called imagination it's OK to use it it's not heresy so good story it's a good read give it a chance and don't worry about what the Queen Jamers have to say.

I loved your book Brennan, I couldn't put it down. The way you describe relationships after the fall is quite amazing. I love the way you pick up the differences between men and women and look at how we have so much to offer each other. Thank you for reminding me that God is my Father and always leads me in ways that are best for me and draw me closer to Him if I choose His path.

Nothing in this book to make me believe in Adam and Eve. Stick with evolution theory.Perhaps the author should stick to fairy tales

I’ve studied scripture for 40 years and this work broadened my understanding of how sin affects all humankind. I related some people I’ve known to Adam and Eve’s struggles so life hasn’t changed too much in 6000 years. Come Lord Jesus and bring us back to Eden.

I don't think I've ever read a book that was so disturbing. It shook me to the very core of my soul. Yet it completely changed my relationship to the father, and has drastically transformed my appreciation of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. I literally spent most of this book in tears. I broke down over and over again and went to my knees on the floor, sobbing. Sometimes tears of deep repentance, but often tears of awe and wonder and thankfulness at what Jesus did for us. And also cleansing tears.

What a thought provoking read. Anyone who wants to look into human behaviour should delve into this story. I am so grateful that God has gifted you as a story teller.