I did not get as much out of reading this one as I did The Shack. The "world" that Young created that Eve inhabits in the "present" of the novel is a little too fantastical for me, and not well enough articulated. He does have quite an imagination though. No wonder a lot of fantasy novels are so long when the author has to explain the world he or she created. A few extra pages here would have been a good investment. The Creation and the time spent in the Garden of Eden was easier to follow, presumably because it was familiar. His take on the actions of Adam and Eve was interesting, and as I said about The Shack, I would consider revisiting this in the future so I could contemplate it further. The blurb here on GR describes it as thoroughly researched. The version of the book I had did not discuss it at all...I think some evidence of that would be worthwhile to the readers. I did enjoy how he wrapped things up at the end...though I may be a sucker for that sort of thing; it just made everything more acceptable.

Did not finish

Beautiful!

Story of hope with a sci-fi type twist. Not the usual type of book that I would read but very interesting because of the way Lily's story is linked to the story of creation throughout the novel.

It is a book that I feel would definitely spark a lot of discussion about faith, humanity and the importance of kindness and compassion.

How important as a woman and individual to be true to yourself and not to be defined by events or circumstances that may try to break you.

A girl, broken in sprit and flesh, becomes a witness to the beginning of God’s creation. From the Big Bang to the creation of Adam and Eve, from the appearance of the snake in the garden to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, Lilly witnesses God’s glory and love. Yet, if you’re expecting a simple retelling of Genesis, you will be disappointed. This story challenges a lot of assumptions made about the fall of man.

I spent most of the reading of the book confused. Lily wasn't a very likable character, borderline annoying. I loved Eve! I like the overall intent of the story but it seemed like it went up the hill and around the mountain and then across the street to get to the point. Too many subplots went unresolved or only closed in a fleeting mention. The "love" language become a bit overwhelming.

I just can't get into this one. I was so hopeful for it because of The Shack, but the writing on this one is a stretch. It's like the author couldn't decide what direction to take the book, so they chose every direction and it just didn't captivate me. I struggled and couldn't finish. I hate calling it quits when reading a book, but sadly I had to this time.

I adored this retelling of the creation mythos and the underlying message of love throughout it.

Beautiful book. Really forces you to think and to question society’s view about who we are, especially as a woman. Empowering and devastating and redeeming.

This is a beautiful book from the author of The Shack. As with his previous novel, it delves into the deepest human darkness to explore the hidden spiritual reserves of love and wonder. Lilly is a young woman who has been brutally broken. When she washes up in a storage container on an island in-between realities, she is taken in by a kindly Collector and brought to healing. They discover that she is to be a Witness to the story of Creation - and in her dreaming life, she meets Eve, and is given a front-row glimpse of the Beginning. But there is more at play than mere witnessing, as there are still snakes to deal with. Young does a wonderful job of re-telling the story of Creation and Fall, and in a way that does not cast the blame on Eve. His depiction of God is both entirely welcoming and entirely orthodox, while also being entirely accessible. This is a worthy read.