Review of GENESIS: The Novel
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Alice Glover
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Review of GENESIS: The Novel
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "GENESIS: The Novel" by Evelyn D. Snyder.]
GENESIS: The Novel by Evelyn D. Snyder is a rewrite of the Book of Genesis as fiction. It is a delightful book. The characters fascinate, and the writing is engaging. Anybody who loves scripture should enjoy it. Of course, the reader already knows that Genesis is the story of creation. God created the Garden of Eden and then created a man and a woman to live there. He makes the first woman, Eve, from Adam’s rib and gives the man dominion over her.
However, that is not how the story unfolds. Eve listens to the glib words of a serpent and eats the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. She convinces her gullible husband, Adam, to follow suit, which results in the expulsion of the two original sinners from the Garden of Eden, forcing them to cultivate crops and earn a living. They have three sons, and the oldest one, Cain, murders his own brother.
The world continues to slide into sin until God has to cause a massive flood to wash it clean again, but he saves Noah and his family and the males and females of all the animal species. However, Noah is a descendant of Adam and Eve, and as it is said, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Thus, sin persists, and God will soon make another example of Sodom and Gomorrah. This is essentially the storyline: the remnants, or seeds of Adam, continue to struggle to establish themselves and increase their tribes in a beautiful yet sinful world filled with danger. These are old stories that the reader has read repeatedly, but the author’s fresh treatment captivates again. Making the book even more attractive, the author illustrates the stories with some of her original oil paintings, and she is very talented.
One aspect of the book that I found enjoyable was the incorporation of modern-day vernacular, such as in the story of Noah's ark. When the dove returned with the olive branch to the ark, Japheth, one of Noah’s sons said, “How cool is that!” Similarly, when Jacob asks his hungry brother Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of stewed lentils, Esau says, “Whatever, dude! Go ahead, you can have my birthright."
My least favorite part of the book was the endless wanderings of Abraham, how he denied his beautiful wife Sarah twice to keep himself safe, and she wound up in a king’s harem both times. My favorite part of the book was the story of Isaac’s son, Jacob. He deceives his twin brother Esau out of his birthright by tricking his almost blind father into giving him the older son's blessing. Although initially unlikable, Jacob has the best character development in the book. His story is particularly captivating, featuring his breathtaking vision of the stairway to heaven, his nocturnal battle with an angel, his marriage to two sisters, and his deception by his father-in-law into working for 14 years to win Rachel, the woman he loved.
I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. The book is brimming with intricate plots, counterplots, and rich themes. Hollywood could make a hundred movies out of the plots here, and it has; an entire civilization could build a moral foundation on the themes here, and it has. And how could you find a more exotic setting than the lush Garden of Eden or the fascinating land of the Egyptian pharaohs? I would recommend it to anyone of the Jewish or Christian faith or anyone interested in the Bible as a work of literature or theological history. Becoming familiar with the important Genesis stories is much easier without plowing through the sometimes-dense Bible verbiage. I just hope the author is planning on a series.
******
GENESIS: The Novel
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
GENESIS: The Novel by Evelyn D. Snyder is a rewrite of the Book of Genesis as fiction. It is a delightful book. The characters fascinate, and the writing is engaging. Anybody who loves scripture should enjoy it. Of course, the reader already knows that Genesis is the story of creation. God created the Garden of Eden and then created a man and a woman to live there. He makes the first woman, Eve, from Adam’s rib and gives the man dominion over her.
However, that is not how the story unfolds. Eve listens to the glib words of a serpent and eats the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. She convinces her gullible husband, Adam, to follow suit, which results in the expulsion of the two original sinners from the Garden of Eden, forcing them to cultivate crops and earn a living. They have three sons, and the oldest one, Cain, murders his own brother.
The world continues to slide into sin until God has to cause a massive flood to wash it clean again, but he saves Noah and his family and the males and females of all the animal species. However, Noah is a descendant of Adam and Eve, and as it is said, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Thus, sin persists, and God will soon make another example of Sodom and Gomorrah. This is essentially the storyline: the remnants, or seeds of Adam, continue to struggle to establish themselves and increase their tribes in a beautiful yet sinful world filled with danger. These are old stories that the reader has read repeatedly, but the author’s fresh treatment captivates again. Making the book even more attractive, the author illustrates the stories with some of her original oil paintings, and she is very talented.
One aspect of the book that I found enjoyable was the incorporation of modern-day vernacular, such as in the story of Noah's ark. When the dove returned with the olive branch to the ark, Japheth, one of Noah’s sons said, “How cool is that!” Similarly, when Jacob asks his hungry brother Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of stewed lentils, Esau says, “Whatever, dude! Go ahead, you can have my birthright."
My least favorite part of the book was the endless wanderings of Abraham, how he denied his beautiful wife Sarah twice to keep himself safe, and she wound up in a king’s harem both times. My favorite part of the book was the story of Isaac’s son, Jacob. He deceives his twin brother Esau out of his birthright by tricking his almost blind father into giving him the older son's blessing. Although initially unlikable, Jacob has the best character development in the book. His story is particularly captivating, featuring his breathtaking vision of the stairway to heaven, his nocturnal battle with an angel, his marriage to two sisters, and his deception by his father-in-law into working for 14 years to win Rachel, the woman he loved.
I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. The book is brimming with intricate plots, counterplots, and rich themes. Hollywood could make a hundred movies out of the plots here, and it has; an entire civilization could build a moral foundation on the themes here, and it has. And how could you find a more exotic setting than the lush Garden of Eden or the fascinating land of the Egyptian pharaohs? I would recommend it to anyone of the Jewish or Christian faith or anyone interested in the Bible as a work of literature or theological history. Becoming familiar with the important Genesis stories is much easier without plowing through the sometimes-dense Bible verbiage. I just hope the author is planning on a series.
******
GENESIS: The Novel
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus
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Naimah Agboluaje
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The novel "GENESIS" by Evelyn D. Snyder seems to be a captivating and engaging read. The author's unique approach of retelling the stories from the Book of Genesis as fiction adds a delightful twist to the familiar tales. The incorporation of modern-day vernacular adds a fresh and relatable touch to the narrative. The author's skillful oil paintings further enhance the storytelling experience.
This review provides an overview of the key stories covered in the book, from the creation of Adam and Eve to the events of Noah's ark and the struggles of Abraham and his descendants. The reader commends the author for her intricate plots, rich themes, and vivid settings, suggesting that Hollywood could make countless movies based on these compelling stories.
Based on this review, I would rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. It appears to be an excellent choice for readers interested in scripture, literature, or theological history. The review emphasizes that the book makes understanding the important Genesis stories more accessible without the dense language of the Bible.
Overall, "GENESIS" seems to be a highly recommended read, offering a captivating and modernized take on familiar biblical tales. Masterful storytelling, kept me enthralled.
This review provides an overview of the key stories covered in the book, from the creation of Adam and Eve to the events of Noah's ark and the struggles of Abraham and his descendants. The reader commends the author for her intricate plots, rich themes, and vivid settings, suggesting that Hollywood could make countless movies based on these compelling stories.
Based on this review, I would rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. It appears to be an excellent choice for readers interested in scripture, literature, or theological history. The review emphasizes that the book makes understanding the important Genesis stories more accessible without the dense language of the Bible.
Overall, "GENESIS" seems to be a highly recommended read, offering a captivating and modernized take on familiar biblical tales. Masterful storytelling, kept me enthralled.
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Olalekan Rahmon
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Well, howdy y'all! After reading that insightful review of "GENESIS: The Novel" by Evelyn D. Snyder, I gotta say, this book sounds like a real treat for folks who love scripture. The author has taken the timeless tale of Genesis and given it a fresh twist, bringing the characters and their struggles to life. From the creation of Adam and Eve to the sins and trials faced by their descendants, this book seems to encapsulate the fascinating journey of humanity.You'll find yourself immersed in a beautiful yet sinful world, filled with danger and redemption. The author's use of modern-day language adds a fun and relatable touch, making the characters feel like folks you might meet on your own front porch. And let's not forget about those stunning oil paintings that illustrate the stories. Talk about talent!Although there were a couple of parts that weren't too peachy keen, like Abraham's wanderings or Jacob's deceiving ways, the overall storytelling and character development shine through. With intricate plots and rich themes, you'll be whisked away to the lush Garden of Eden or the captivating land of the Egyptian pharaohs. And let me tell ya, Hollywood could churn out a whole heap of movies based on these plots.The reviewer gave this book a full five stars, and I reckon that's a mighty high recommendation. So, if you're into the Bible as a work of literature or theological history, or if you're just lookin' for a good read, I reckon "GENESIS: The Novel" might just be right up your alley. Now, excuse me while I mosey on over to pick myself up a copy. Y'all do the same! Happy readin' y'all!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Complex relationships, felt real and relatable.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Complex relationships, felt real and relatable.
