Daughter of Eden: A Captivating and Insightful Journey Through Time and Faith

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In Daughter of Eden author Jill Eileen Smith tackles the arduous task of telling Eve's story, the mother of all mankind. The author did a wonderful job painting the picture of Eden before the fall and after portraying a world of darkness, hardship, and toil. When Adam and Eve are banished from the garden of Eden they are all alone cut off from their Creator. With the Bible not having been written, what must it have been like for Adam and Eve to have His proclamations, but no context or understanding of how He was working things out for their good? You see all the struggles Adam and Eve went through to live their lives, but also all the pain and hardship they went through with their children raising them and continually pointing them to their Creator. 

Over the years, I've read my share of Biblical Historical fiction. While I enjoy this genre, I find myself somewhat cautious of this type of fiction because I want to be mindful that the author isn't imparting characteristics on Biblical characters that aren't present in His Word.

However, then there's the other side of me when I finish a story like this I find I have a whole new appreciation for the Bible. This was definitely the case for me when I closed the book on Daughter of Eden. One point that Ms. Smith reminds us and beautifully brings home is that we are created in His Image and we are to be his Image-Bearers. I found myself pondering the parallels and contrasts between the two versions (the bible vs. fiction account) of this iconic story.

My only slight critique of Daughter of Eden is I felt that for me the chapters on "The Unseen Realm" somewhat took me out of the story only because I was so invested in Eve's story. (In her author's note, the writer explained how unseen realm played a part in the fall of humanity and while I agree with this, it did take me out of the story a little although I feel it shouldn't have.) 

One particular aspect that resonated with me was the portrayal of the grief that Adam and Eve may have experienced in the aftermath of Cain's heinous act against Abel. The author's vivid depiction of their emotions and struggles brought a new level of depth and understanding to this biblical story.

The ending was particularly poignant. The author masterfully conveyed the message that while we may not be perfect, God still loves us unconditionally. This beautiful portrayal of faith and redemption left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and deeply inspiring read.

Daughter of Eden is God's redemptive plan set in motion before Adam and Eve fell and how He was working things out in His great wisdom. How comforting today to be reminded that even in our modern day and age of living He is still working things out for His good. 

Reading is an Adventure,

Emilee 

~~Daughter of Eden was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~