“Thanks to my membership at Bookbrowse.com I got an advanced reading copy of Eve. I loved, loved,loved it.
Here's the basic premise: What was Eve's life like after Eden?
The story goes back and forth in time and is told in 4 voices: Eve's and her daughters, Naava, Dara and Aya. Oddly, Naava's is always told in the 3rd person, while the others are in 1st person.
Eve is portrayed very realistically and not always sympathetically. Like a real person, she has strengths and weaknesses. Naava is mostly portrayed negatively while Dara is mostly positive and Aya is a mix. Interestingly, it is Aya who has the strongest faith, while Eve, who ostensibly met Elohim (God), is challenged to retain her faith.
If you like historical fiction, this would be a good choice. Elliott researched Mesopotamian life and included their food, their religious practices and like that. The writing is descriptive without being overly so, the dialog is realistic despite the simplicity of the speech patterns.
I read very quickly but I made myself slow down and savor the book, reading it slowly to be sure I didn't miss anything. If you liked The Red Tent, you'll likely enjoy this story as well. If you wonder about Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, you'll likely enjoy "Eve." If you're a Christian who interprets the Bible literally, chances are good there will be things that you won't like and that might even make you mad. Be forewarned. If you're a New Though Christian, you'll recognize yourself in Aya. If you're not a Christian at all but just like good historical fiction, you'll still enjoy this story.”
