Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith | Book Review

  Review of Shinie Antony's Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith.

Title - Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith

Author - Shinie Antony

Genre – Mythology

Format - Paperback

Pages- 144

Publisher - Hachette India

Publication Date - 9 February 2024

'Women are born in survival mode. Their job, they are told, is to love. But what is this love they neither know nor see – this illiquid, no-return-on-investment, invisible land they must buy with all their soul money?'

Lilith. Wild, untameable Lilith. She is the love of Adam's life – the only woman for the only man on Earth. Until Adam replaces her with Eve. Biddable, meek, subservient Eve. 'Lilith is demanding, short-tempered and unnatural in her sexual desires,' Adam complains to God. Cast out of Eden, Lilith roams the Earth, masters the dark arts and fights the system: dissent is delicious. She is now the Lilith – night monster, seductress of demons. And child-killer. Lilith, from whom the word lullaby comes – 'Lilith, begone,' sing mothers to protect their sleeping babies. Lilith, the irresistible temptress. Eden's controversial once-occupant goes on a rampage to discover all that she is and all that she could be. Beyond Adam. Beyond Eden. Beyond God.

In this gripping take on female rage and agency, Shinie Antony sculpts a ferocious woman born from the ashes of her former self. Exuberant, unapologetic and unrestrained, Lilith shines, soars and persists – a historic villainess and a modern-day heroine.

Book #81 of 2024

The title is what drew me to this book! While we are all familiar with the story of Adam and Eve, this book explores the lesser-known story of Lilith, who was created alongside Adam.

This story tells Lilith’s side of life in Eden, before her conflicts with Adam and before Eve's arrival. Lilith deeply loves Adam, but her strong personality clashes with his, leading to disagreements and eventually their separation.

The author does a great job capturing Lilith's emotions—her grief, despair, happiness, and everything in between.

She also weaves in elements from other mythologies and cultures, making Lilith a more relatable character. The story makes a bold statement that it is okay to follow what you believe is right and what brings you joy and happiness. It suggests that there is no need to conform to society's expectations of women.

Another interesting feature of this book is that the chapter numbers are in reverse order, adding a unique twist to the reading experience.

Last but not least, the cover is beautifully designed and perfectly matches both the title and the content of the book. It draws you in, giving a sense of the mystery and depth that the story holds.

Overall, this book proved to be a very different and engaging read. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

 

If you're a fan of mythology or enjoy reading stories told from a fresh and unique perspective, then this book is definitely for you.

Shinie Antony is a writer and editor based in Bengaluru. Her books include Can't, The Girl Who Couldn't Love and Barefoot and Pregnant. She has compiled the anthologies Boo, Why We Don't Talk and An Unsuitable Woman. 

Shinie is the co-founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival and director of the Bengaluru Poetry Festival. Her story 'A Dog's Death' won the Commonwealth Short Story Asia prize in 2002.

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