Tosca Lee is one of my favorite authors. Her first book, Demon: A Memoir, was one of my favorite reads in 2008. I will say, Havah: The Story of Eve is definitely top runner for my favorite of 2009.The author richly layers the characters of Adam and Eve (Havah). Reading this book is like taking a journey not only through the fall of man but the fall of the marriage relationship. Although marriage doesn't exist at this point as a structured covenant, I felt that I was reading the tragedy of what so many marriages become today—needlessly. I will say at one point in the book, I didn't like Havah. Then I realized it was because she becomes the woman we women today dread becoming—a woman driven by resentment, bitterness, and unmet expectations.
But Lee beautifully brings this character around full circle with the pain of loss, love, and maturity. By the end of the story, Havah moves closer to the beauty she was first intended to be but imbued with more grace and wisdom.
Rich in setting and characterization, this story takes you beyond the surface to imagine what life in Eden may have been like, then deep into the repercussions of the fall on their relationship with each other, the animals, and their children. This is a story we all know, told in depth and imagination that will make you think long past that last page.
Smudge gives Havah: The Story of Eve a five meow rating. Leave a comment for a chance to get a copy of this fabulous book!
