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Secrets of Eden
From the bestselling author of The Double Bind, Midwives, and Skeletons at the Feast comes a novel of shattered faith, intimate secrets, and the delicate nature of sacrifice.
"There," says Alice Hayward to Reverend Stephen Drew, just after her baptism, and just before going home to the husband who will kill her that evening and then shoot himself. Drew, tortured by the cryptic finality of that short utterance, feels his faith in God slipping away and is saved from despair only by a meeting with Heather Laurent, the author of wildly successful, inspirational books about . . . angels.
Heather survived a childhood that culminated in her own parents' murder-suicide, so she identifies deeply with Alice’s daughter, Katie, offering herself as a mentor to the girl and a shoulder for Stephen – who flees the pulpit to be with Heather and see if there is anything to be salvaged from the spiritual wreckage around him.
But then the State's Attorney begins to suspect that Alice's husband may not have killed himself. . .and finds out that Alice had secrets only her minister knew.
Secrets of Eden is both a haunting literary thriller and a deeply evocative testament to the inner complexities that mark all of our lives. Once again Chris Bohjalian has given us a riveting page-turner in which nothing is precisely what it seems. As one character remarks, “Believe no one. Trust no one. Assume all of our stories are suspect.”
"There," says Alice Hayward to Reverend Stephen Drew, just after her baptism, and just before going home to the husband who will kill her that evening and then shoot himself. Drew, tortured by the cryptic finality of that short utterance, feels his faith in God slipping away and is saved from despair only by a meeting with Heather Laurent, the author of wildly successful, inspirational books about . . . angels.
Heather survived a childhood that culminated in her own parents' murder-suicide, so she identifies deeply with Alice’s daughter, Katie, offering herself as a mentor to the girl and a shoulder for Stephen – who flees the pulpit to be with Heather and see if there is anything to be salvaged from the spiritual wreckage around him.
But then the State's Attorney begins to suspect that Alice's husband may not have killed himself. . .and finds out that Alice had secrets only her minister knew.
Secrets of Eden is both a haunting literary thriller and a deeply evocative testament to the inner complexities that mark all of our lives. Once again Chris Bohjalian has given us a riveting page-turner in which nothing is precisely what it seems. As one character remarks, “Believe no one. Trust no one. Assume all of our stories are suspect.”
370 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2010
About the author
Chris Bohjalian
37 books12.2k followersChris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 books. His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies and an Emmy-nominated TV series.
Look for his next novel on March 19, 2024: THE PRINCESS OF LAS VEGAS. (Yes, you can preorder it as a hardcover, eBook, or on audio wherever you buy books.)
The paperback of THE LIONESS went on sale this summer. It is already in development for a limited TV series from e One and Marsh Entertainment. A luxurious African safari turns deadly for a Hollywood star and her entourage in this riveting historical thriller, about which the New York Times wrote in its spring preview, "Bohjalian steers this runaway Land Rover of a story into some wildly entertaining territory." The Boston Globe wrote, "Bohjalian, one of our finest storytellers, weaves his spellbinding magic."
Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist all gave it starred reviews.
His 2021 novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, is a tale of historical suspense set in 1662 Boston, a story of the first divorce in North America for domestic violence -- and a subsequent witch trial. Diana Gabaldon in her review in the Washington Post called it "historical fiction at its best." Danielle Trussoni in the New York Times called it "harrowing."
His 2020 novel, “The Red Lotus,” is a twisting story of love and deceit: an American man vanishes on a rural road in Vietnam and his girlfriend, an emergency room doctor trained to ask questions, follows a path that leads her home to the very hospital where they met, and is also in development for a TV series. In the New York Times, Sarah Lyall called it, “Terrific. . .[an] elegant noose of a plot. . .Bohjalian is a pleasure to read. He writes muscular, clear, propulsive sentences. . .As suspenseful as it is, The Red Lotus is also unexpectedly moving — about friendship, about the connections between people and, most of all, about the love of parents for children and of children for parents. Bohjalian is a writer with a big heart and deep compassion for his characters.”
His 2018 novel, “The Flight Attendant,” debuted as a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and National Indiebound Bestseller. It is now HBO Max TV series, starring Kaley Cuoco. Season two landed in April 2022.
He is also a playwright and screenwriter. He has a new play, "The Club," arriving at the George Street Playhouse in February 2024,
His other plays include his adaptation of his novel, "Midwives," and "Wingspan," (originally called "Grounded").
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for The Sandcastle Girls, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for The Night Strangers; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for The Sandcastle Girls; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Trans-Sister Radio; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His novel, Midwives,was a number one New York Times bestseller, a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and a New England Booksellers Association Discovery pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst C
Look for his next novel on March 19, 2024: THE PRINCESS OF LAS VEGAS. (Yes, you can preorder it as a hardcover, eBook, or on audio wherever you buy books.)
The paperback of THE LIONESS went on sale this summer. It is already in development for a limited TV series from e One and Marsh Entertainment. A luxurious African safari turns deadly for a Hollywood star and her entourage in this riveting historical thriller, about which the New York Times wrote in its spring preview, "Bohjalian steers this runaway Land Rover of a story into some wildly entertaining territory." The Boston Globe wrote, "Bohjalian, one of our finest storytellers, weaves his spellbinding magic."
Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist all gave it starred reviews.
His 2021 novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, is a tale of historical suspense set in 1662 Boston, a story of the first divorce in North America for domestic violence -- and a subsequent witch trial. Diana Gabaldon in her review in the Washington Post called it "historical fiction at its best." Danielle Trussoni in the New York Times called it "harrowing."
His 2020 novel, “The Red Lotus,” is a twisting story of love and deceit: an American man vanishes on a rural road in Vietnam and his girlfriend, an emergency room doctor trained to ask questions, follows a path that leads her home to the very hospital where they met, and is also in development for a TV series. In the New York Times, Sarah Lyall called it, “Terrific. . .[an] elegant noose of a plot. . .Bohjalian is a pleasure to read. He writes muscular, clear, propulsive sentences. . .As suspenseful as it is, The Red Lotus is also unexpectedly moving — about friendship, about the connections between people and, most of all, about the love of parents for children and of children for parents. Bohjalian is a writer with a big heart and deep compassion for his characters.”
His 2018 novel, “The Flight Attendant,” debuted as a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and National Indiebound Bestseller. It is now HBO Max TV series, starring Kaley Cuoco. Season two landed in April 2022.
He is also a playwright and screenwriter. He has a new play, "The Club," arriving at the George Street Playhouse in February 2024,
His other plays include his adaptation of his novel, "Midwives," and "Wingspan," (originally called "Grounded").
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for The Sandcastle Girls, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for The Night Strangers; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for The Sandcastle Girls; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Trans-Sister Radio; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His novel, Midwives,was a number one New York Times bestseller, a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and a New England Booksellers Association Discovery pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst C
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,967 reviews
July 6, 2024
The first Chris Bohjalian book I read was The Flight Attendant and I could not put it down. I immediately added many Bohjalian books to my TBR.
My second Bohjalian book was Secrets of Eden. I listened to it on audiobook; fabulous narrators. Chris Bohjalian is an incredible storyteller because his first chapter always grabs me.
The book starts with the POV of the pastor. A woman he baptized was found dead the next day, presumably by her abusive husband. And then it appears that her husband killed himself.
It seemed like an easy open and shut case of murder-suicide. Until it becomes possible there are other scenarios.
The book starts off with a bang but drags in the middle. Some chapters and details felt extraneous and unnecessary.
3.5 stars
My second Bohjalian book was Secrets of Eden. I listened to it on audiobook; fabulous narrators. Chris Bohjalian is an incredible storyteller because his first chapter always grabs me.
The book starts with the POV of the pastor. A woman he baptized was found dead the next day, presumably by her abusive husband. And then it appears that her husband killed himself.
It seemed like an easy open and shut case of murder-suicide. Until it becomes possible there are other scenarios.
The book starts off with a bang but drags in the middle. Some chapters and details felt extraneous and unnecessary.
3.5 stars
May 7, 2024
A solid 3.5
SECRETS OF EDEN is a dark and foreboding story of what marriage can be when domestic violence is involved.
The author spins a tale lived by many couples that through use of alcohol, drugs, stress or some kind of diminished capacity a couple’s experience can be an almost never-ending horror show. The ending provided a definite twist.
While the story was bleak, one might take away from it helpful information.
WARNING:
Violence
Description of autopsy
SECRETS OF EDEN is a dark and foreboding story of what marriage can be when domestic violence is involved.
The author spins a tale lived by many couples that through use of alcohol, drugs, stress or some kind of diminished capacity a couple’s experience can be an almost never-ending horror show. The ending provided a definite twist.
While the story was bleak, one might take away from it helpful information.
WARNING:
Violence
Description of autopsy
August 23, 2016
I have read other Chris Bohjailian books and really enjoyed them. Having said that, this is not the case here. This novel is passable but not up to his usual standard.
Murder/suicide of Alice and George Hayward. Told in four separate parts by four main characters. Stephen Drew who is Alice's pastor, then Catherine Benincasa, the prosecutor overseeing the investigation, followed by Heather Laurent, an author who sees angels and whose parents died in the same manner and lastly Katie Hayward – the Hayward's 15yr old daughter.
Stephen decides on a leave of absence after the crime. A pastor having an affair with one of his married parishioners and who would “blame his God, if he thought he had one” is definitely having a crisis of faith. He seems an unemotional man; unwilling to commit fully to his flock, ending relationships before he himself is 'dumped'. Catherine is dedicated to her family and her work. She's of the opinion that the murder/suicide claim isn't correct and that a couple of the other main characters have some explaining to do. She's not on a witch hunt; a couple of things just need further investigation. Heather Laurent herself is an orphan of parents who died in a murder/suicide. But she contacts Stephen because she feels he needs her help. Heather has 'contact' with the angels and has written books on the subject of angels in our lives. Katie is one of the few characters I actually liked in the story.
Personally I feel that the book could have progressed quite well without Heather at all. She really doesn't relate any new knowledge about any of the other characters and basically, I thought she was a bit of a nut case. Bohjalian writes with his usual flair but I did not enjoy the storyline. I would not recommend that you read this novel as your first book by Chris Bohjalian, he has written other, far more worthy novels.
October 10, 2010
Here is the plot of this book: The victim of domestic violence and her husband are found dead in a small town in Vermont, apparently a murder suicide. The woman had been having an affair with the pastor of her church. The pastor feels guilty that he did not intervene more strongly and he takes off with a best-selling author of a book about angels. We don’t know why he has an affair with her, as she is a kook who is so into angels that she can barely utter dialogue without bringing them into a conversation. The pastor becomes a suspect in the murder of the husband. The true murderer is revealed eventually.
The main narrators of the novel are the pastor, the orphaned daughter, and the goofy angel author. Some tangential investigators from law enforcement make an appearance as well and who killed whom, and why is speculated on by all of the narrators.
This book was tedious in the extreme. I was excited to read it, as the author came highly recommended by a book club friend. I have two other books by him and am loathe to venture to reading them after this experience.
First, it contains details that simply are not germane to the plot and do nothing to move it forward. For example, there are lengthy passages about angels and angels being among us that nearly had me gagging. Also there is a side story about the angel lady's anorexic sister and her bird carving partner that is sort of plopped into the book and have nothing to do with the rest of it. The orphaned daughter goes on and on and on ad nauseum about her relationship with her mother, father and friends – all of which while important – could have been cut down by 50%. Very repetitive.
The characters do not draw one in. The pastor is shallow – a relationship phobic, self indulgent serial bedder of women who he uses only for sex. The daughter, who should be a sympathetic character, is anything but. The angel lady will drive you crazy with all of the angel stuff – none of which is germane to the plot.
While I appreciate this author’s taking on the troubling issue of domestic violence and portraying the dependency issues involved in staying with a wife-beater, there are better ways to raise consciousness than to bore or annoy readers. Bored and annoyed sums up how I felt about this book.
The main narrators of the novel are the pastor, the orphaned daughter, and the goofy angel author. Some tangential investigators from law enforcement make an appearance as well and who killed whom, and why is speculated on by all of the narrators.
This book was tedious in the extreme. I was excited to read it, as the author came highly recommended by a book club friend. I have two other books by him and am loathe to venture to reading them after this experience.
First, it contains details that simply are not germane to the plot and do nothing to move it forward. For example, there are lengthy passages about angels and angels being among us that nearly had me gagging. Also there is a side story about the angel lady's anorexic sister and her bird carving partner that is sort of plopped into the book and have nothing to do with the rest of it. The orphaned daughter goes on and on and on ad nauseum about her relationship with her mother, father and friends – all of which while important – could have been cut down by 50%. Very repetitive.
The characters do not draw one in. The pastor is shallow – a relationship phobic, self indulgent serial bedder of women who he uses only for sex. The daughter, who should be a sympathetic character, is anything but. The angel lady will drive you crazy with all of the angel stuff – none of which is germane to the plot.
While I appreciate this author’s taking on the troubling issue of domestic violence and portraying the dependency issues involved in staying with a wife-beater, there are better ways to raise consciousness than to bore or annoy readers. Bored and annoyed sums up how I felt about this book.
April 10, 2010
Dear Mr. Bohjalian,
Tell me, what happened to the man who skillfully channeled 360 degrees of the female soul in "Midwives"? Where might the author be who so cleverly knit elements of Gatsby in with a modern story in "The Double Bind"? What has become of the writer who bravely took on the tired topic of WWII and crafted a gorgeous story in "Skeletons at the Feast"?
Because certainly - the same fellow did not write this dimestore paperback drivel? We know it happens from time to time. A great writer somehow authors a great big turd of a book. After all, we have to assume that Stephen King DID write "Lisey's Story". And John Grisham did pen "Playing for Pizza". And Phillipa Gregory probably crafted "The Queen's Fool". But just because it happens to many authors, that's no excuse for having published this.
Poorly researched, very badly written, dull plot, characters who aren't even bad enough to hate. Sir, I did what I do only once in every 100 books or so. Halfway through, I yelled, "Really??" closed it and put it away. Blah.....
Tell me, what happened to the man who skillfully channeled 360 degrees of the female soul in "Midwives"? Where might the author be who so cleverly knit elements of Gatsby in with a modern story in "The Double Bind"? What has become of the writer who bravely took on the tired topic of WWII and crafted a gorgeous story in "Skeletons at the Feast"?
Because certainly - the same fellow did not write this dimestore paperback drivel? We know it happens from time to time. A great writer somehow authors a great big turd of a book. After all, we have to assume that Stephen King DID write "Lisey's Story". And John Grisham did pen "Playing for Pizza". And Phillipa Gregory probably crafted "The Queen's Fool". But just because it happens to many authors, that's no excuse for having published this.
Poorly researched, very badly written, dull plot, characters who aren't even bad enough to hate. Sir, I did what I do only once in every 100 books or so. Halfway through, I yelled, "Really??" closed it and put it away. Blah.....
April 29, 2019
Genre: Psychological Fiction
Publisher: Broadway Books
Pub. Date: 2010
Wanting a quick break from Advanced Review Copies (ARCs), I decided to read a 2010 novel by Chris Bohjailian. He is one of my preferred authors of page-turners. In "Midwives," one of my favorite novels, Bohalian crafts a courtroom drama that investigates an impossible decision made by a midwife who lives in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. In "The Double Bind," he weaves together the world of “The Great Gatsby” and the lives of his current day Vermont characters. This results in a spellbinding tale of tension. “Eden” is a decent read but doesn’t have the literary chops shown in Bohjalian’s other suspense novels. It lacks the powerful writing that makes the reader want to read quickly to learn the ending. Unlike “Midwives” and “Bind,” the characters aren’t intriguing enough to make one want to jump into the book to meet them.
“Eden” is also a psychological thriller that is once again located in rural Vermont. The author takes on the subject of domestic violence. We meet a couple in a troubled marriage that ends in an apparent (or was it?) murder-suicide. This happens soon after the wife is baptized in a river. The story is narrated by the four protagonists: the town’s reverend, the prosecutor, a female author whose own parents died in a murder-suicide, and the dead couple’s teenage daughter. The reverend is an interesting character. The reader is not always sure what to make of him. I found the prosecutor’s part in the story rather dull and predictable. “I can tell you that the river Denial is indeed pretty freaking wide.” There is none of the sophisticated fire of “Midwives.” The female author, who happens to see angels, is simply an unneeded character. Can’t figure out why she wasn’t edited out. Maybe the author wanted to show different thoughts on religious paradise: The Garden of Eden.
However, the orphaned teenage daughter is very well written. She becomes alive on the page. It feels as if you are reading a real teen’s diary. “What it was like to suddenly be an orphan (and I am an orphan) and feel all the time like you’re an imposition….Membership in Club Orphan has its privileges too.” She could do anything and no one would reprimand her. “Still, I wouldn’t recommend it.” Hers is the only voice that allows the author to shine. In an odd way, the daughter’s irony and wit, combined with her survival instincts, remind me of the females in Bohjailian’s “The Sandcastle Girls.” That story is about the 1915 Armenian Genocide. It is filled with the suspense of life and death. I was mesmerized when I read that one. My point is that the author’s talent pokes through even in a tale not quite as polished as I know his work can be.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
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Publisher: Broadway Books
Pub. Date: 2010
Wanting a quick break from Advanced Review Copies (ARCs), I decided to read a 2010 novel by Chris Bohjailian. He is one of my preferred authors of page-turners. In "Midwives," one of my favorite novels, Bohalian crafts a courtroom drama that investigates an impossible decision made by a midwife who lives in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. In "The Double Bind," he weaves together the world of “The Great Gatsby” and the lives of his current day Vermont characters. This results in a spellbinding tale of tension. “Eden” is a decent read but doesn’t have the literary chops shown in Bohjalian’s other suspense novels. It lacks the powerful writing that makes the reader want to read quickly to learn the ending. Unlike “Midwives” and “Bind,” the characters aren’t intriguing enough to make one want to jump into the book to meet them.
“Eden” is also a psychological thriller that is once again located in rural Vermont. The author takes on the subject of domestic violence. We meet a couple in a troubled marriage that ends in an apparent (or was it?) murder-suicide. This happens soon after the wife is baptized in a river. The story is narrated by the four protagonists: the town’s reverend, the prosecutor, a female author whose own parents died in a murder-suicide, and the dead couple’s teenage daughter. The reverend is an interesting character. The reader is not always sure what to make of him. I found the prosecutor’s part in the story rather dull and predictable. “I can tell you that the river Denial is indeed pretty freaking wide.” There is none of the sophisticated fire of “Midwives.” The female author, who happens to see angels, is simply an unneeded character. Can’t figure out why she wasn’t edited out. Maybe the author wanted to show different thoughts on religious paradise: The Garden of Eden.
However, the orphaned teenage daughter is very well written. She becomes alive on the page. It feels as if you are reading a real teen’s diary. “What it was like to suddenly be an orphan (and I am an orphan) and feel all the time like you’re an imposition….Membership in Club Orphan has its privileges too.” She could do anything and no one would reprimand her. “Still, I wouldn’t recommend it.” Hers is the only voice that allows the author to shine. In an odd way, the daughter’s irony and wit, combined with her survival instincts, remind me of the females in Bohjailian’s “The Sandcastle Girls.” That story is about the 1915 Armenian Genocide. It is filled with the suspense of life and death. I was mesmerized when I read that one. My point is that the author’s talent pokes through even in a tale not quite as polished as I know his work can be.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco...
November 13, 2022
I have been an avid follower of Chris Bohjalian's writing for a long time. It pains me to say that this novel was a disappointment to me. My first introduction to this author was Skeletons at the Feast, which so impressed me that I followed it with many more of his books. This could not compare with that first book, or others. The story weaves around the apparent murder/ suicide in a small town in Vermont. It is a tale of wife battering and alcoholism and the effects of these abuses on family, friends and the community.
The novel is divided into sections with the story narrated by four different characters; the pastor who is experiencing a crisis of faith; the DA, a popular author and the daughter of a deceased couple. These people were, for the most part believable, with some exceptions. An acclaimed author, whose specialty was angels, was an annoying presence for me. Her role seemed extraneous and only served as an useless distraction for certain characters. In fact, as I further analyze my reaction to this novel, I realize that her presence is the factor which caused my negative reactions to Secrets of Eden . The disillusioned pastor could have been further expanded, although his persona was well described. The DA was a tough, unbending woman. The teen-aged daughter's grief was vividly portrayed and her voice rang true.
Bohjalian's narrative is often compelling, always clearly descriptive and well researched. Although I had some glimmers of the conclusion, he withheld the answers to the mystery until the final pages with an unexpected twist. It is clear to me, one who has visited Vermont many times, that this author knows and loves his home. His vivid descriptions of the scenery, the foliage and the ambiance of this beautiful state certainly shine through.
The novel is divided into sections with the story narrated by four different characters; the pastor who is experiencing a crisis of faith; the DA, a popular author and the daughter of a deceased couple. These people were, for the most part believable, with some exceptions. An acclaimed author, whose specialty was angels, was an annoying presence for me. Her role seemed extraneous and only served as an useless distraction for certain characters. In fact, as I further analyze my reaction to this novel, I realize that her presence is the factor which caused my negative reactions to Secrets of Eden . The disillusioned pastor could have been further expanded, although his persona was well described. The DA was a tough, unbending woman. The teen-aged daughter's grief was vividly portrayed and her voice rang true.
Bohjalian's narrative is often compelling, always clearly descriptive and well researched. Although I had some glimmers of the conclusion, he withheld the answers to the mystery until the final pages with an unexpected twist. It is clear to me, one who has visited Vermont many times, that this author knows and loves his home. His vivid descriptions of the scenery, the foliage and the ambiance of this beautiful state certainly shine through.
October 9, 2018
I read this book for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This book was very good and interesting in the beginning, but about halfway through it just kind of stalled. It was interesting, but I didn't have this deep desire to know what happened next. That is why it only received 4 stars.
"'There,' says Alice Hayward to Reverend Stephen Drew, just after her baptism, and just before going home to the husband who will kill her that evening and then shoot himself. Drew, tortured by the cryptic finality of that short utterance, feels his faith in God slipping away and is saved from despair only by a meeting with Heather Laurent, the author of wildly successful, inspirational books about . . . angels.
Heather survived a childhood that culminated in her own parents' murder-suicide, so she identifies deeply with Alice’s daughter, Katie, offering herself as a mentor to the girl and a shoulder for Stephen – who flees the pulpit to be with Heather and see if there is anything to be salvaged from the spiritual wreckage around him.
But then the State's Attorney begins to suspect that Alice's husband may not have killed himself. . .and finds out that Alice had secrets only her minister knew."
"'There,' says Alice Hayward to Reverend Stephen Drew, just after her baptism, and just before going home to the husband who will kill her that evening and then shoot himself. Drew, tortured by the cryptic finality of that short utterance, feels his faith in God slipping away and is saved from despair only by a meeting with Heather Laurent, the author of wildly successful, inspirational books about . . . angels.
Heather survived a childhood that culminated in her own parents' murder-suicide, so she identifies deeply with Alice’s daughter, Katie, offering herself as a mentor to the girl and a shoulder for Stephen – who flees the pulpit to be with Heather and see if there is anything to be salvaged from the spiritual wreckage around him.
But then the State's Attorney begins to suspect that Alice's husband may not have killed himself. . .and finds out that Alice had secrets only her minister knew."
January 7, 2015
This was my first Chris Bohjalian book and I am pleased with his easy reading style. This book follows the murder/suicide of a couple in Vermont. Or was it? All is not how it seems in this household or with the deaths themselves. The story unfolds through the narratives of 4 different characters. I loved three of them, the pastor who questions his spiritual path after the deaths and perhaps knows more than he lets on....the tough DA who has seen too many of these cases to take them at face value and the now orphaned teenage daughter who was the only insider to her parents marriage. The fourth character of the "writer of angels on earth" left me with some issues. She didn't quiet fit for me, though by the end I knew she was a key character to relate many of the conversations and clues of this mystery.....but so much of the book was taken up by her and just didn't engage me.
I did enjoy how the writer strings the reader along, giving up very little yet showing just enough to have you questioning events from chapter to chapter. I felt he developed his characters well and captured each voice with his dialogue....the way they interacted, reacted and even the "lingo" they used made me feel that there were indeed four different people telling me this story. I also felt he created the small town feel of this community. I have heard that Bohjalian is known for some surprise endings....however, this one did not surprise me as somewhere along the way I had a niggling thought of what was to come. I did though keep deciding I was wrong...so maybe it was still a surprise. I was also pleased that a male writer really had such insight into the female characters way of looking at and thinking about things, perhaps he has some strong women in his life!
I will read him again, just for the pure joy of a good story.
I did enjoy how the writer strings the reader along, giving up very little yet showing just enough to have you questioning events from chapter to chapter. I felt he developed his characters well and captured each voice with his dialogue....the way they interacted, reacted and even the "lingo" they used made me feel that there were indeed four different people telling me this story. I also felt he created the small town feel of this community. I have heard that Bohjalian is known for some surprise endings....however, this one did not surprise me as somewhere along the way I had a niggling thought of what was to come. I did though keep deciding I was wrong...so maybe it was still a surprise. I was also pleased that a male writer really had such insight into the female characters way of looking at and thinking about things, perhaps he has some strong women in his life!
I will read him again, just for the pure joy of a good story.
February 22, 2015
Not my favorite Bohjalian book, but pretty good nonetheless. A murder suicide (or was it 2 murders?) has occurred in a small Vermont town, and we are told about the domestic abuse situation and its aftermath from four different points of view. The first is Stephen, the local pastor to the couple and their daughter; next is the D.A.; then an author of angel books whose parents also died in a murder/suicide and who decides to go hang around the pastor, the daughter, and the mortician (just weird); and finally the dead couple's teenage daughter. I liked Stephen's story for the most part. His character was well planned and his actions more or less understandable, at least for a while. The daughter's part sort of went off track until the twist at the end, and I really disliked the angel woman a lot -- like I said, she is a weird one.
Well thought out mystery that keeps you wondering what really happened that fateful night right up until the very end.
Well thought out mystery that keeps you wondering what really happened that fateful night right up until the very end.
July 16, 2011
I listened to the audio version of Chris Bohjalian's novel Secrets of Eden and want to recommend it highly. There are multiple readers who all do an excellent job. It's perfect for a long commute, although I found myself driving an extra block or two a couple of times when I couldn't stop listening.
Many writing instructors, especially those who are teaching beginning courses, tell writers to show rather than tell. It's a bit of advice that has always irritated me, because it simplifies the process way too much. Good writers balance their stories with telling and showing, using what is appropriate for each situation. Secrets of Eden is a perfect example of a book where telling is most often the proper choice.
Bohjalian has separated the book into four parts, each narrated by a different character. They tell the story from their point of view in a way that adds to the suspense while painting a full picture of their personalities.
I'm going to recommend this book to my book club, because it's perfect for discussions. The topics include faith crisis, domestic abuse, and the difference between over-the-top spiritual beliefs and conventional religion. I could see us talking for days on any one of those subjects. I've also read and loved The Double Bind and Skeletons at the Feast, but I'm going to choose this one to suggest to our group.
The story is about a murder suicide that occurs in a small Vermont town. The murder victim is a member of a Baptist church. Her death and the circumstances surrounding it deeply affect the minister of that church. I don't want to say much more than that. If you want spoilers you'll have to go to another review.
Many writing instructors, especially those who are teaching beginning courses, tell writers to show rather than tell. It's a bit of advice that has always irritated me, because it simplifies the process way too much. Good writers balance their stories with telling and showing, using what is appropriate for each situation. Secrets of Eden is a perfect example of a book where telling is most often the proper choice.
Bohjalian has separated the book into four parts, each narrated by a different character. They tell the story from their point of view in a way that adds to the suspense while painting a full picture of their personalities.
I'm going to recommend this book to my book club, because it's perfect for discussions. The topics include faith crisis, domestic abuse, and the difference between over-the-top spiritual beliefs and conventional religion. I could see us talking for days on any one of those subjects. I've also read and loved The Double Bind and Skeletons at the Feast, but I'm going to choose this one to suggest to our group.
The story is about a murder suicide that occurs in a small Vermont town. The murder victim is a member of a Baptist church. Her death and the circumstances surrounding it deeply affect the minister of that church. I don't want to say much more than that. If you want spoilers you'll have to go to another review.
October 22, 2012
I enjoyed 'Secrets of Eden' ---
I was engaged with every part of the book ---
but---
I'll my 'least' favorite section was when Prosecutor Catherine Beninocasa takes over being the narrator from Pastor Stephen Drew.
I wasn't ready for a 'change' of voice ---(I felt this section of the book needed better editing).
To leave Stephen Drew's voice out of the story for as long as was done ---was just too long. (or either the first chapter ABOUT Drew was too long)....
but as a reader, my emotional tie (by this point) was with 'DREW'....(as our main character)....
but with 4 narrators -- my emotional investment would drift ---between STILL being interested to know how the book would end ---but I had mixed feelings about the journey itself.
Do you know ---(this is how my mind works) --- a couple of times I started thinking we would come to the end of the book and still not know who killed 'George' (it was pretty clear who killed Alice) ---
because with all 'spiritual' aura (from Heather Laurent), for example--
it might just have been possible....that the entire outcome would have been a secret ---
who knows....maybe the 'birds' killed George.....lol (Phil and Lil)
or maybe some toxic flower (the rose), that Alice so loved...
My mind was doing tricks with this book....(because at times I was a little frustrated having the different narrators. I wanted more emotional-personal-connection with ONE MAIN character I suppose.
In time...I got with the program (with the style of the writing) --but I did have to let go of wanting things my way...lol ----like wanting Stephen Drew to COME BACK into the story faster (take over as narrator again)....but then by the time he did - --things had just changed anyway.
I didn't guess the ending (until maybe 10 pages before the 'very' end) ---at which point that doesn't count. ---
I liked this book...yet, I felt the changes of narrators were somewhat frustrating. (oh well, maybe it was me).
.....but overall, I'm glad I read it.
It was GOOD!
Besides --The teenager, Katie had a black t-shirt with a Chihuahua on it. How cool is that? lol
I have a tiny-baby-face-all-Black Chihuahua myself. (plus I have two birds named Phil and Lil). >> {names of two birds on "Secrets of Eden"}...
Its these little things we read in books which connect us to our lives that add pleasure, too!
I was engaged with every part of the book ---
but---
I'll my 'least' favorite section was when Prosecutor Catherine Beninocasa takes over being the narrator from Pastor Stephen Drew.
I wasn't ready for a 'change' of voice ---(I felt this section of the book needed better editing).
To leave Stephen Drew's voice out of the story for as long as was done ---was just too long. (or either the first chapter ABOUT Drew was too long)....
but as a reader, my emotional tie (by this point) was with 'DREW'....(as our main character)....
but with 4 narrators -- my emotional investment would drift ---between STILL being interested to know how the book would end ---but I had mixed feelings about the journey itself.
Do you know ---(this is how my mind works) --- a couple of times I started thinking we would come to the end of the book and still not know who killed 'George' (it was pretty clear who killed Alice) ---
because with all 'spiritual' aura (from Heather Laurent), for example--
it might just have been possible....that the entire outcome would have been a secret ---
who knows....maybe the 'birds' killed George.....lol (Phil and Lil)
or maybe some toxic flower (the rose), that Alice so loved...
My mind was doing tricks with this book....(because at times I was a little frustrated having the different narrators. I wanted more emotional-personal-connection with ONE MAIN character I suppose.
In time...I got with the program (with the style of the writing) --but I did have to let go of wanting things my way...lol ----like wanting Stephen Drew to COME BACK into the story faster (take over as narrator again)....but then by the time he did - --things had just changed anyway.
I didn't guess the ending (until maybe 10 pages before the 'very' end) ---at which point that doesn't count. ---
I liked this book...yet, I felt the changes of narrators were somewhat frustrating. (oh well, maybe it was me).
.....but overall, I'm glad I read it.
It was GOOD!
Besides --The teenager, Katie had a black t-shirt with a Chihuahua on it. How cool is that? lol
I have a tiny-baby-face-all-Black Chihuahua myself. (plus I have two birds named Phil and Lil). >> {names of two birds on "Secrets of Eden"}...
Its these little things we read in books which connect us to our lives that add pleasure, too!
July 21, 2009
I had the privilege of getting to read a very early, pre-final-edit manuscript of this book, and I am SO glad, because now I can be among the first to tell everyone how fabulous it is! Once again, Bohjalian creates big, believable drama in a small town Vermont setting. This time it involves a preacher who is losing his faith, two deaths and plenty of mystery of the "whodoneit" variety. It is interesting to read a book where two dead people are very much central characters and seeing the plot bloom through the memories, observations and reactions of their neighbors. All of these characters just jump off the page, so it's very easy to picture them and think that they are your neighbors too. You become invested in their pain and bewilderment even as you try to figure out just what they are NOT telling you. And the ending...the ending is worth losing sleep over because by that point you just HAVE to know the truth!
May 31, 2011
"The Buffalo Soldier" was the first of Bohjalian's books I've read, which was followed by "Midwives" and "Double Bind"... and I feel as though I am on a slow downward spiral with Chris Bohjalian's books, although "Secrets of Eden" is, in parts, well written, it is equally torturous to read in others.
The character of the minister starts out with a somewhat weary-of-his-pathetic-excuse-for-parishioners recounting of the typical Sunday whinings mixed with more heartwarming stories told by recipients of the kindness of the Women's Circle equating them to the angels among us. For the first portion of this book, I was compelled to read on by the hint of a promise to the return to Bohjalian's former ability to weave a spell with his words. While he remains in the minister's narrative, at least initially, he doesn't veer too far from this path. Enter the character of Heather Laurent and it changes swiftly enough.
It isn't simply that Heather Laurent believes in literal Angels walking among us, or that her character is a supposedly well known "new age" author of some renown, the character is simply too annoying to not be a detriment to enjoying a large portion of the story by her mere presence. Perhaps this was what Bohjalian was striving for, but it seems unlikely.
The murder-suicide storyline has its ups and downs, none of the characters associated with the investigative end of it are particularly likeable characters, but I think what I disliked most was how stilted, annoyed / annoying, one dimensional the voices of most of the characters outside of the daughter (Katie) and Stephen Drew come across - that is discounting the "excerpts" from Laurent's "books" which I could have done without.
The character of the minister starts out with a somewhat weary-of-his-pathetic-excuse-for-parishioners recounting of the typical Sunday whinings mixed with more heartwarming stories told by recipients of the kindness of the Women's Circle equating them to the angels among us. For the first portion of this book, I was compelled to read on by the hint of a promise to the return to Bohjalian's former ability to weave a spell with his words. While he remains in the minister's narrative, at least initially, he doesn't veer too far from this path. Enter the character of Heather Laurent and it changes swiftly enough.
It isn't simply that Heather Laurent believes in literal Angels walking among us, or that her character is a supposedly well known "new age" author of some renown, the character is simply too annoying to not be a detriment to enjoying a large portion of the story by her mere presence. Perhaps this was what Bohjalian was striving for, but it seems unlikely.
The murder-suicide storyline has its ups and downs, none of the characters associated with the investigative end of it are particularly likeable characters, but I think what I disliked most was how stilted, annoyed / annoying, one dimensional the voices of most of the characters outside of the daughter (Katie) and Stephen Drew come across - that is discounting the "excerpts" from Laurent's "books" which I could have done without.
September 19, 2020
I read this a few years ago. It was good but not as good as Midwives.
March 26, 2010
I have a love/hate relationship with Chris Bohjalian and this book emphasized it even more. It takes forever for me to get myself fully involved in his books.. but I do it. Why? Because the final chapters of the book will punch me in the gut and leave me shaking my head in awe. That's what keeps me reading.
From Double Bind to Midwives and now to Secrets of Eden, he hasn't disappointed me. Books that, if I would have only read the first half, I would have given 1-2 stars of rating get 4-5 stars from me by the end of the book. This is mystery as it should be written, unraveled slowly, bits and pieces of information fed to you from various angles and a conclusion that will leave you reeling.
Secrets of Eden is the story of a double-death. The death of an abused woman and her husband. She, by strangulation and he, by gunshot. The story is broken into four sections and told by four separate, but very connected individuals. Pieces of information are given to you from each point of view and.. if you have, in the words of Austen, "delicate sensibilities" they will not be spared.
It was interesting, I hadn't intended to pick this book up (meaning to read another book before it) but I chose to because of the disappointment I'd had in the book I'd read before it. I wanted a real mystery, something that would jar me and make me think. This book did just that.
From Double Bind to Midwives and now to Secrets of Eden, he hasn't disappointed me. Books that, if I would have only read the first half, I would have given 1-2 stars of rating get 4-5 stars from me by the end of the book. This is mystery as it should be written, unraveled slowly, bits and pieces of information fed to you from various angles and a conclusion that will leave you reeling.
Secrets of Eden is the story of a double-death. The death of an abused woman and her husband. She, by strangulation and he, by gunshot. The story is broken into four sections and told by four separate, but very connected individuals. Pieces of information are given to you from each point of view and.. if you have, in the words of Austen, "delicate sensibilities" they will not be spared.
It was interesting, I hadn't intended to pick this book up (meaning to read another book before it) but I chose to because of the disappointment I'd had in the book I'd read before it. I wanted a real mystery, something that would jar me and make me think. This book did just that.
September 1, 2016
A man who undergoes a crisis of faith who becomes embroiled in a murder/suicide. I found the premise of this book fascinating due to the moral and spiritual implications, this one kept my interest I did love the set up, having the opening of the book be told by the Pastor of this small town in Vermont you really took him at face value..at first. There is a propensity to want to believe a man of honour and a man of the cloth as the story unravels and your belief in him gets obliterated it makes you question the integrity of people's true character and you really become cynical about humanity. How easily people lie and how quickly people make excuses for their irrepressible behaviour and how easily people can fall from grace. We know people are infallible but are we all capable of being good as well as evil? The ending was ok and wrapped it up for me in a way that made me happy as I was pretty quick to condemn certain characters and it made some actions seem redeemable. From reading some reviews apparently this is not this authors best book but not having read any others I can honestly say I still enjoyed it.
September 1, 2020
Compelling book, but verges on almost too melancholy. Some very deep subject matter, but the author's stellar writing kept me interested throughout. Listened to the audio book.
August 2, 2011
"Secrets of Eden," my third Chris Bohjalian book, reinforced why I'm such a fan of this author. Beginning with the deaths of Alice and George Hayward in an apparent murder-suicide, the story devolves into a mystery when it becomes apparent that George died by a hand other than his own.
Told from the perspectives of four characters who are very different from one another, the book reveals interesting personality traits of each, yet keeps each character enigmatic enough that I was pondering some of their motivations long after the book was finished. Stephen Drew, Alice's minister, who knew intimate details of George's physical and verbal abuse, was a particularly intriguing character. Though beloved by his congregation, he kept himself apart from them and, the book reveals, was Alice's former lover. He quickly becomes a "person of interest" in the crime.
Bohjalian typically reserves a surprise for the end of each of his books, and "Secrets of Eden" was no exception. Well worth reading.
Told from the perspectives of four characters who are very different from one another, the book reveals interesting personality traits of each, yet keeps each character enigmatic enough that I was pondering some of their motivations long after the book was finished. Stephen Drew, Alice's minister, who knew intimate details of George's physical and verbal abuse, was a particularly intriguing character. Though beloved by his congregation, he kept himself apart from them and, the book reveals, was Alice's former lover. He quickly becomes a "person of interest" in the crime.
Bohjalian typically reserves a surprise for the end of each of his books, and "Secrets of Eden" was no exception. Well worth reading.
February 13, 2010
I loved the different points of view and what was revealed by each. This approach will not be everyone's cup of tea, but it worked for me. I thought Bohjalian did a great job with the different voices. I knew "who-dunnit" early on, either because I read too much or write with a similar structure myself, but that didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all.
June 25, 2016
Audio book performed by Mark Bramhall, Susan Denaker, Rebecca Lowman and Kathe Mazur.
When Alice and George Hayward die in a murder/suicide, Reverend Stephen Drew suffers a crisis of faith. He is tormented by his inability to stop the tragedy, and tortured by a sense of guilt. In despair he leaves the small Vermont town and seeks consolation with a wildly successful new-age author of “angel” books. But the medical director’s autopsy findings aren’t consistent with suicide and the state prosecutor discovers that Alice – and several other people involved – had secrets. The investigation quickly focuses on Stephen Drew and keeps everyone in a state of turmoil.
Bohjalian structures the novel in four distinct parts, each narrated by a different character – Rev Stephen Drew begins the tale, followed by prosecutor Catherine Benincasa, Heather Laurent, and finally Katie Hayward, the now-orphaned teen daughter of the murdered couple. The plot unfolds slowly in dribs and drabs, much as such a story would be revealed if it happened in your own neighborhood. The reader begins to trust and then doubt each of the narrators in turn, and little by little the truth is finally brought to light. It’s a well-paced emotional and psychological study of the events leading to, during and following a family’s and community’s significant tragedy.
Using different actors to voice the four sections was a very good idea for the audio book. It really helps to differentiate the voice of each character, not just literally but figuratively. I’m not certain if this distinction would be so evident if I had read the text version of the book; it is definitely a plus on the audio.
When Alice and George Hayward die in a murder/suicide, Reverend Stephen Drew suffers a crisis of faith. He is tormented by his inability to stop the tragedy, and tortured by a sense of guilt. In despair he leaves the small Vermont town and seeks consolation with a wildly successful new-age author of “angel” books. But the medical director’s autopsy findings aren’t consistent with suicide and the state prosecutor discovers that Alice – and several other people involved – had secrets. The investigation quickly focuses on Stephen Drew and keeps everyone in a state of turmoil.
Bohjalian structures the novel in four distinct parts, each narrated by a different character – Rev Stephen Drew begins the tale, followed by prosecutor Catherine Benincasa, Heather Laurent, and finally Katie Hayward, the now-orphaned teen daughter of the murdered couple. The plot unfolds slowly in dribs and drabs, much as such a story would be revealed if it happened in your own neighborhood. The reader begins to trust and then doubt each of the narrators in turn, and little by little the truth is finally brought to light. It’s a well-paced emotional and psychological study of the events leading to, during and following a family’s and community’s significant tragedy.
Using different actors to voice the four sections was a very good idea for the audio book. It really helps to differentiate the voice of each character, not just literally but figuratively. I’m not certain if this distinction would be so evident if I had read the text version of the book; it is definitely a plus on the audio.
February 10, 2010
Bohjalian (Law of Similars) has built a reputation on his rich characters and immersing readers in diverse subjects—homeopathy, animal rights activism, midwifery—and his latest surely won’t disappoint. The morning after her baptism into the Rev. Stephen Drew’s Vermont Baptist church, Alice Hayward and her abusive husband are found dead in their home, an apparent murder-suicide. Stephen, the novel’s first narrator, is so racked with guilt over his failure to save Alice that he leaves town. Soon, he meets Heather Laurent, the author of a book about angels whose own parents’ marriage also ended in tragedy. Stephen’s deeply sympathetic narration is challenged by the next two narrators: deputy state attorney Catherine Benincasa, whose suspicions are aroused initially by Stephen’s abrupt departure (and then by questions about his relationship with Alice), and Heather, who distances herself from Stephen for similar reasons and risks the trip into her dark past by seeking out Katie, the Haywards’ now-orphaned 15-year-old daughter who puts into play the final pieces of the puzzle, setting things up for a touching twist. Fans of Bohjalian’s more exotic works will miss learning something new, but this is a masterfully human and compassionate tale.
****Rate this 4/5 Another great book by Chris. I liked this much better than Double Bind, but The Midwife remains my favorite by this author.
****Rate this 4/5 Another great book by Chris. I liked this much better than Double Bind, but The Midwife remains my favorite by this author.
February 26, 2010
Secrets of Eden is a courtroom who-done-it without the courtroom. It is well written, though flawed in that you know that all sides are telling the truth and that the only way for the main suspect to be the murder is for him not to have told the truth in his section.
In ways the book is like Atonement; the same scene is seen from many vantage points. And while the book is a who-done-it, it is also a very good character study. I have always like Chris Bohjalian’s characters. They ring true. I also liked the way that everyone is suspect in the eye of the law, no matter how well meaning the law is.
I really liked the twist at the ending. I had figured out that Steven Drake didn’t kill her no matter how strong the evidence. And I knew that it had to be the daughter or the friend that did it. What I hadn’t figured out was that he helped the daughter cover up that she did it. It is revealed only in the last two pages of the book. And that totally changes Steven Drake’s character. And then that totally changes the veracity of all those that have been judging him, as well as the love he gives up to protect the girl. That is a really nice effect to have. It slowly cascades through my mind as I think about the book
This isn’t your average mystery. It isn’t your average novel. It was a good read, a little more than 4 stars.
In ways the book is like Atonement; the same scene is seen from many vantage points. And while the book is a who-done-it, it is also a very good character study. I have always like Chris Bohjalian’s characters. They ring true. I also liked the way that everyone is suspect in the eye of the law, no matter how well meaning the law is.
I really liked the twist at the ending. I had figured out that Steven Drake didn’t kill her no matter how strong the evidence. And I knew that it had to be the daughter or the friend that did it. What I hadn’t figured out was that he helped the daughter cover up that she did it. It is revealed only in the last two pages of the book. And that totally changes Steven Drake’s character. And then that totally changes the veracity of all those that have been judging him, as well as the love he gives up to protect the girl. That is a really nice effect to have. It slowly cascades through my mind as I think about the book
This isn’t your average mystery. It isn’t your average novel. It was a good read, a little more than 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2011
This was the February selection for OLBC, and I read it because I'm committed to the OLBC.
What I enjoyed:
* The story was told from the point of view of four different characters, weaving perceptions into an interesting braid for the reader. Nice touch.
* The setting (small rural northern New England town) was fun, especially as it felt like the author was translating this specific flavor of Small Town (which is where I live) for the rest of the world.
What I didn't so much enjoy:
* The ending was obvious way too early for me, though I got the sense that we were supposed to gasp in shock by the crazy twist at the end.
* Nobody had any spark of a soul. Everyone felt untethered and adrift. I don't suggest that characters need to come with a Disney soundtrack and matching accessories (please, no) but something was missing. I'd started another book by this author a few years ago (The Buffalo Soldier) but soon lost interest, and if I recall correctly, it felt the same way. I'm fine with a villain. I just don't connect with this hollowness.
What I enjoyed:
* The story was told from the point of view of four different characters, weaving perceptions into an interesting braid for the reader. Nice touch.
* The setting (small rural northern New England town) was fun, especially as it felt like the author was translating this specific flavor of Small Town (which is where I live) for the rest of the world.
What I didn't so much enjoy:
* The ending was obvious way too early for me, though I got the sense that we were supposed to gasp in shock by the crazy twist at the end.
* Nobody had any spark of a soul. Everyone felt untethered and adrift. I don't suggest that characters need to come with a Disney soundtrack and matching accessories (please, no) but something was missing. I'd started another book by this author a few years ago (The Buffalo Soldier) but soon lost interest, and if I recall correctly, it felt the same way. I'm fine with a villain. I just don't connect with this hollowness.
March 5, 2010
I liked some things about this book, but overall I didn't care for it.
In a small town in Vermont, an apparent murder/suicide takes place. It seems George Hayward has murdered his wife (whom he was abusing) and then committed suicide...or IS this what happened??
Each section of the story is narrated by a different person: the town pastor, who is struggling with his faith, a woman who writes books about angels (whose own parents killed themselves in a murder/suicide), law enforcement, the only child Katie, other from family members. I liked the idea of switching narrators. I found the Heather, the "angel lady" VERY irritating and she had a significant portion of the book.
Besides being a mystery, Secrets of Eden is also a look at spousal abuse and alcoholism. Some of the characters were shallow and not well developed. The pastor was interesting and likeable in the beginning, but later I wanted him to try and do find helpful/healing for his own struggle and he seems to just spiral downward. I don't think this is very realistic; most pastors in a spiritual crisis would seek some sort of help. He just acted out by having affairs.
The story as a whole is mildly interesting, but as a whole I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something more substantial!
In a small town in Vermont, an apparent murder/suicide takes place. It seems George Hayward has murdered his wife (whom he was abusing) and then committed suicide...or IS this what happened??
Each section of the story is narrated by a different person: the town pastor, who is struggling with his faith, a woman who writes books about angels (whose own parents killed themselves in a murder/suicide), law enforcement, the only child Katie, other from family members. I liked the idea of switching narrators. I found the Heather, the "angel lady" VERY irritating and she had a significant portion of the book.
Besides being a mystery, Secrets of Eden is also a look at spousal abuse and alcoholism. Some of the characters were shallow and not well developed. The pastor was interesting and likeable in the beginning, but later I wanted him to try and do find helpful/healing for his own struggle and he seems to just spiral downward. I don't think this is very realistic; most pastors in a spiritual crisis would seek some sort of help. He just acted out by having affairs.
The story as a whole is mildly interesting, but as a whole I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something more substantial!
May 27, 2017
3.75 stars
Steven is a minister in a small town. ****This may be a SPOILER, but it’s revealed fairly early on.**** Little do most people know, he’s been having an affair with one of his parishoners, Alice. ****END POSSIBLE SPOILER**** Alice is married, but her husband is abusive toward her. Alice and her husband have a teenage daughter, Katie. When Katie’s parents are discovered one Monday morning by Alice’s best friend, Ginny, it appears that Alice was murdered by her husband, who then killed himself.
Overall, I thought this story was very good. I listened to the audio, which was done well; there were four different narrators for each of four parts, each part told by someone different. We got points of view from Stephen; Kathleen, a lawyer; Heather, an author who is famous for her books about angels, whose parents also died when she was a teen via a murder-suicide by her father; and Katie. I would have given it 4 stars, except for a quarter star deduction for Heather’s boring angel stuff. I could have done without any of the angel stuff. Heather’s part of the story was the least interesting to me (though not all bad), but add in those angels, and the book lost a ¼ star. I quite enjoyed the rest of the book, though.
Steven is a minister in a small town. ****This may be a SPOILER, but it’s revealed fairly early on.**** Little do most people know, he’s been having an affair with one of his parishoners, Alice. ****END POSSIBLE SPOILER**** Alice is married, but her husband is abusive toward her. Alice and her husband have a teenage daughter, Katie. When Katie’s parents are discovered one Monday morning by Alice’s best friend, Ginny, it appears that Alice was murdered by her husband, who then killed himself.
Overall, I thought this story was very good. I listened to the audio, which was done well; there were four different narrators for each of four parts, each part told by someone different. We got points of view from Stephen; Kathleen, a lawyer; Heather, an author who is famous for her books about angels, whose parents also died when she was a teen via a murder-suicide by her father; and Katie. I would have given it 4 stars, except for a quarter star deduction for Heather’s boring angel stuff. I could have done without any of the angel stuff. Heather’s part of the story was the least interesting to me (though not all bad), but add in those angels, and the book lost a ¼ star. I quite enjoyed the rest of the book, though.
September 21, 2021
This book had to take a backseat to the news. I am obsessed with the story of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie - it is more mysterious than any book I have read, including this one. This real life drama has more twists and turns than a wine bottle corkscrew!!
Ironically this book deals with spousal abuse that leads to murder. Fiction mirroring the news story. There is even another similarity, but I’ll let you find that out yourself. I was alternating between the book and my iPad, so I recognized the different forms abuse can take and the horrendous results.
As usual, Mr Bohjalian has handled the theme without making it sensationalized. He is fast becoming one of my favorites.
RIP Gabby Petito 😇
Ironically this book deals with spousal abuse that leads to murder. Fiction mirroring the news story. There is even another similarity, but I’ll let you find that out yourself. I was alternating between the book and my iPad, so I recognized the different forms abuse can take and the horrendous results.
As usual, Mr Bohjalian has handled the theme without making it sensationalized. He is fast becoming one of my favorites.
RIP Gabby Petito 😇
September 29, 2017
So, Chris Bohjalian has written some of my favorite books, Skeletons at the Feast, being one of them. This book just did not work for me. It was a two star read for most of the book. The redemptive ending bumped it up a star. The gory parts of this book were quite descriptive. The characters all pretty unappealing. I want to read another one of his books soon just to get back on track.
December 4, 2023
Boring. Slow paced. The end saved it.
April 29, 2010
Like Midwives and The Double Bind, Chris Bohjalian's newest suspense novel, Secrets of Eden, was (no exaggeration) nearly impossible for me to put down.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of a small town in rural Vermont is the horrific murder-suicide of a local couple. Businessman George Hayward, who has a history of abusing his wife Alice, murders her while their teenage daughter, Katie, is out at a concert, and then turns the gun on himself. Holding the family—and the town—together immediately after the tragedy is Reverend Steven Drew, who baptized Alice the day she died and suspects that she foresaw her own death.
Enter Heather Laurent, the author of a book on angels who also lost her parents in a murder-suicide. Heather tries, along with Steven, to befriend the orphan Katie, and they all try to pick up the pieces. Having his own crisis of faith after the tragedy, Steven buries himself in Heather (literally) in an attempt to escape his own grief at the loss of Alice. The twist: shortly after Steven and Heather begin their affair, Steven becomes a suspect in George's death, which police believe was not a suicide after all.
To reveal more would be a spoiler. Although there is plenty of violence and sex in this novel—including within the church congregation—Bohjalian writes about it in both realistic and tasteful ways. Each section of the book is written from a major character's point of view (including the tough-as-nails county prosecutor, Catherine Benincasa), and it's difficult not to sympathize with each of them because they're so realistically human. Bohjalian excels at writing about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Although Heather's new age persona got on my nerves, she was one of several strong female characters that Bohjalian is never afraid to include in his novels, and I find that to be gratifying. Even Alice, who was a victim, is revealed to have had secret and brave parts of her story.
As in life, nothing in Secrets of Eden is neatly resolved or as clear-cut as it initially seems. When the book ends, you're still left wondering who deserves the label of hero or villain. For this reader, that's part of Bohjalian's genius as a writer.
Review by M.L. Madison
Set against the beautiful backdrop of a small town in rural Vermont is the horrific murder-suicide of a local couple. Businessman George Hayward, who has a history of abusing his wife Alice, murders her while their teenage daughter, Katie, is out at a concert, and then turns the gun on himself. Holding the family—and the town—together immediately after the tragedy is Reverend Steven Drew, who baptized Alice the day she died and suspects that she foresaw her own death.
Enter Heather Laurent, the author of a book on angels who also lost her parents in a murder-suicide. Heather tries, along with Steven, to befriend the orphan Katie, and they all try to pick up the pieces. Having his own crisis of faith after the tragedy, Steven buries himself in Heather (literally) in an attempt to escape his own grief at the loss of Alice. The twist: shortly after Steven and Heather begin their affair, Steven becomes a suspect in George's death, which police believe was not a suicide after all.
To reveal more would be a spoiler. Although there is plenty of violence and sex in this novel—including within the church congregation—Bohjalian writes about it in both realistic and tasteful ways. Each section of the book is written from a major character's point of view (including the tough-as-nails county prosecutor, Catherine Benincasa), and it's difficult not to sympathize with each of them because they're so realistically human. Bohjalian excels at writing about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.
Although Heather's new age persona got on my nerves, she was one of several strong female characters that Bohjalian is never afraid to include in his novels, and I find that to be gratifying. Even Alice, who was a victim, is revealed to have had secret and brave parts of her story.
As in life, nothing in Secrets of Eden is neatly resolved or as clear-cut as it initially seems. When the book ends, you're still left wondering who deserves the label of hero or villain. For this reader, that's part of Bohjalian's genius as a writer.
Review by M.L. Madison
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