Secrets of Eden: A Novel (udgave 2010)

As usual, I loved this book. I think Bohjalian could write about any topic, no matter how controversial or uncomfortable, and still make me feel at peace reading about it. Make no mistake, this is a very sad and dark story, but he writes his characters in such a tender way that I don't feel manipulated or as if I'm gawking at a car wreck. They feel like authentic characters and their actions feel true to the intent of the story, even if things aren't wrapped in a perfect package. I also think Bohjalian can write female characters in such a believable way that I initially thought he was a woman. The story itself is more of an exploration of grief and loss of faith. I always appreciate that he reveals important details at the end but not as a shocking twist; it feels very organic and natural. I was sad reading this story but am glad that I read it. ( )

I did not like the set up of the novel with each section and piece of the story told by a different character and a different POV. But the ending rocked! ( )

rabck from pinklady60; good book that had me guessing until the end. A couple is found in what appears to be a murder-suicide, but was it really? Told in alternating viewpoints, of the pastor, an author, the investigator and the teenage daughter, it kept me in suspense. ( )

I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful SECRETS OF EDEN is. Every sentence is so well written, and the story is arranged so well.

SECRETS OF EDEN begins with the first-person account of a Baptist minister, Stephen. After he baptizes one of his parishioners, Alice, she says, “There,” and Stephen forever blames himself for not realizing what she meant by that word and for not saving her from her husband.

Part II is the account of the state’s attorney, Catherine. She suspects that Alice’s husband did not commit suicide. She then suspects Stephen and looks for evidence against him.

Eventually Stephen meets Heather, an author of inspirational books about angels, who helps him and Alice’s daughter, Katie, with her first-hand knowledge of wife abuse, murder, and suicide. Part III of SECRETS OF EDEN, is Heather’s first-person account.

The final part of the book is Katie’s first-person account.

Every part of SECRETS OF EDEN sounds like it really is written by that person who narrates it. The writing and the story are mesmerizing as each part builds suspense, adds clues, and moves the story further. This is one fine literary thriller. ( )

I had no idea when I picked this book from the library that it would be crime fiction. Yes, there is more to it than that - families, abusive relationships. It was okay, perhaps not the best of this writers work for me to start with. ( )