“This thriller is rich in brilliant discourses on religion, fanaticism, the meaning of ancient cave art, the speculative future, and love.” —Library Journal
Sena Jeter Naslund, the New York Times bestselling author of Ahab’s Wife, Four Spirits, and Abundance explores both the dark nature of fundamentalism and the brightness of true faith in her dazzling novel, Adam & Eve. A provocative, eloquent, and deeply compelling story of a woman caught between two warring worlds—science and religion—Adam & Eve raises timely questions about identity, innocence, and sin, and represents a new literary high-water mark for New York Times Notable author and Harper Lee Award-winner Naslund.
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"I got so absorbed in this story. Naslund paints a vivid picture with her words. There are some shocking plot twists (or so I thought). To me, this book is ultimately about human nature which is immutable and the struggle between knowledge and willful ignorance. I didn't like how the story of Adam ended."
— Tracy (4 out of 5 stars)
“Surprisingly affecting.”
— New York Times Book Review“[A] blend of futuristic thriller, pseudoreligious speculation, and idyllic romance.”
— Publishers Weekly“[Naslund] shed[s] light on what the creation myth (and religious fanaticism) reveals about the human condition: that however formative our beginnings may be, they can always give way to the drama of rebirth. In Adam & Eve, Naslund asks, which is really more important to us?”
— Elle“A richly detailed portrait of an opulent, turbulent time, revealing the Queen’s journey from frivolity to responsibility, and from palace to prison cell to be one of striking beauty and terrible loss.”
— People" I thought this book was really intriguing. It is a bit hard to follow initially but the story line takes off around page 100 and it is smooth reading from then on out. I can definitely see the parallels between this book and The Davinci Code. The writing styles seemed similar as well. "
— Nicole, 2/15/2014" Disappointed. I really enjoyed Ahab's Wife....and had high expectations. "
— Liz, 2/4/2014" This is the third book I have read by this author, and one of the first things I thought of while reading it was, "How does she come up with these stories?" I don't mean that in a what-the-heck-is-she-thinking way, but in a where-do-her-creativity-and-imagination-come-from way. All three books have been vastly different. So many authors tend to stick to what works for them (Dan Brown comes to mind), so that their books seem formulaic and like fraternal, if not identical, twins. Sena Jeter Naslund does not fall in this camp. (I must admit, though, that at one point early in this book I did feel like I was reading a Dan Brown book. Thankfully, that feeling passed rather quickly.)Unfortunately, I'm writing this review over a week after I finished the book and, more importantly, more than a week into another book I'm reading. These facts, coupled with my stress-addled memory, mean that all I am left with are impressions of this book rather than detail. Impressions will have to suffice, though I would prefer to be more thorough. That being said, I do recall the language of this book having a richness and depth that reminded me of Ahab's Wife. There were several sentences after which I just had to pause to fully appreciate them. Also, I found myself really identifying with the main character, Lucy, in many ways. She is about my age, and we seemed to have many of the same thoughts about life, human nature, purpose, religion, etc. So, I guess the book was timely for me. I doubt I would have liked the book as much as I did had I read it at age 25.Nonetheless, I can't say I loved the book. There was still something missing, though I can't say what. Maybe if I had time to write the review when I finished the book I would remember what it was! Overall, I'd give it 3-and-a-half stars. "
— Julie, 1/27/2014" reviews were generally bad, but I liked this book although it was certainly not Ahab's Wife good "
— Lynda, 1/5/2014" Good, pretty imaginative story, but don't feel it was great in any way. Was glad the author was as accurate as possible introducing the historiography of religious texts and traditions. But don't feel as if i've come away with any new thoughts or questions to ponder about life, or even memorable characters. Very much a let-down after Ahab's Wife. "
— Cori, 1/3/2014" So far, an awesome book. Not at all what I expected. Her writing is entertaining. She is descriptive but not long-winded. "
— Amanda, 12/23/2013" This book had moments of brightness, but overall it was just too far out for me. Deals with the issue of evolution/creation, but too much else gets in the way. "
— Jane, 12/13/2013" Well written and interesting, but a little too science fictiony for me---or maybe just overly ambitious? In the context of story, addresses what the implications would be if we knew there was life elsewhere in the universe--and if we found new evidence about the story of creation. "
— Naomi, 12/10/2013" Disappointing. Mushy mysticism with weak adventure. "
— John, 11/18/2013" "...While the novel was not in my favorite genres, Adam and Eve gives readers a lot to think about..." My full review may be read on my book review blog Rundpinne. "
— Jennifer, 10/21/2013" Odd book. I usually like odd - but this one just didn't quite work. "
— Tamara, 6/28/2013" I can't seem to get into this book so I think it's a sign that after two weeks I haven't read past chapter 4. It's boring and just plain dull. I feel like I wasted my time. GRRRR!!!! "
— HellaGood, 12/25/2012" Liked the twists and turns in this book. A woman crashes her plane in the "garden of Eden,' WHERE Adam has wandered from the war and he thinks she is Eve. Older and a psychologist, she plays along. Good vs evil, but they escape. Glad he found true love. "
— Mary, 10/16/2012" I can't figure out where this book is going. Is it religious? Is it spiritual? Is it a mystery? Now that I have finished it, I still don't know where it was going. I enjoyed it though. "
— Melise, 9/27/2012" It started out with potential and then went down hill fast. Terrible book! "
— Carla, 9/22/2012" Without revealing any spoiler, I was expecting a different emphasis, based on the editorial synopsis. This is not to say I was disappointed; I do like Naslund's prose. I just needed to shift my mindset for this novel. I look forward to more of her work. "
— Rochelle, 3/27/2012" Actually I ended up liking it more than I thought. It brought up some interesting ideas about religion, althought the plot was rather strange and boring at the same time. "
— Deborah, 12/26/2011" giving up. no thanks. I really enjoyed Ahab's Wife by this author. This book makes no sense to me, aliens, Adam who is really a current day soldier, bizarre woman. Really odd and not compelling. "
— Linda, 8/28/2011" Felt very disjointed in places. Way too much Eden. While Naslund is a master of setting and characterization, the story got lost. Still, she's a masterful, intelligent writer. "
— Mozzarella, 8/24/2011" This book had moments of brightness, but overall it was just too far out for me. Deals with the issue of evolution/creation, but too much else gets in the way. "
— Jane, 5/5/2011" A dissappointing book. Interesting beginning, but the many mysteries never get solved and the author just never ties the various strands together... "
— Kat, 5/1/2011" Very interesting...A little slow. "
— Teneisha, 4/20/2011" reviews were generally bad, but I liked this book although it was certainly not Ahab's Wife good "
— Lynda, 4/17/2011" Some good writing, but some really self indulgent writing too. No identifiable genre, except muddled silly. Big ideas with little content. A very disappointing read. "
— Bobbie, 4/10/2011" I can't figure out where this book is going. Is it religious? Is it spiritual? Is it a mystery? Now that I have finished it, I still don't know where it was going. I enjoyed it though. "
— Melise, 3/30/2011" The first two parts of the book were pretty good, aside from each Christian character being portrayed as crazy or evil, but the third part really dropped off plot wise and writing wise. Wishing it would have ended better. "
— Rachel, 3/28/2011" more than half way through. If I were to summarize the story so far - well, just suffice it to say, I am only reading to the end to discover "why" Ms Naslund chose to write about this at all. <br/> <br/>3.5.11 10:30pm - FINALLY finished this book! UGH! have no clue..... "
— ~mad, 3/2/2011" I listened to this book and it kept me entertained at a point where I was driving 3 - 4 hours a day. "
— Irene, 2/26/2011" Way too much going on and the characters were bizarre (& not in a fun way "
— Molly, 2/4/2011" the first 1/2 of the book was interesting, and quite different, but then...it got weird and too mystical to me. "
— Lena, 2/2/2011" I really liked this book. It kind of felt a bit like a Dan Brown novel with its religious quest/queries and secret group out to destory evidence. Sometimes the plot seemed a little unbelieveable but if you just "go with it" then it's a fast, snow-day read. "
— Jody, 1/30/2011" I really wanted to like this one as I loved Ahab's Wife. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. It was strange and meandering and ultimately too weird and pointless for my taste. "
— Christine, 1/25/2011
Sena Jeter Naslund has enjoyed a rich literary career as an award-winning author, professor, and editor. Her books have received critical acclaim including the prestigious Harper Lee Award. In addition to numerous novels and two collections of short stories, her fiction has appeared in several publications. A professor since 1972, she was awarded the first ever Distinguished Teaching Professor honor from the University of Louisville as well as endowments from multiple art councils.
Karen White has been narrating audiobooks of all genres since 1999. Honored to be included in AudioFile’s Best Voices, she’s also a four-time Audie Finalist and has earned multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and Library Journal starred reviews.