During one of our #BookishLeague book discussions , one of the book bloggers mentioned the book ‘Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith’. Taken in by the feminist theme, I was motivated to read this book . When Blogchatter gave me the opportunity to review this book, I seized the offer and I was delighted to discover that the hype was real.
‘In the book ‘Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith’ the author Shinie Antony tells us the story of Lilith and her exile from Eden and the aftermath of that.
Who was Lilith?
In Jewish folklore, Lilith is portrayed as a demon who preys on children and pregnant women taking away their souls. She is a shapeshifter who can take on different forms, which makes her a difficult and powerful adversary.
The Bible mentions Lilith as Adam’s first consort long before Eve became his wife. She was Adam’s first wife, created from the same earth as he was. Unlike Eve, who was made from Adam’s rib, Lilith saw herself as Adam’s equal and refused to submit to him. This led to her banishment from the Garden of Eden and fleeing to the Red Sea where she cavorts with demons. Joining hands with the dark forces Lilith unleashes her revenge on God’s Eden and mankind.
Why should you read Eden abandoned:The Story of Lilith
If you love Mythology
If you are someone who loves Mythology or historical texts then this book will enlighten you.Most of us know about Adam and Eve and the garden of Eden as did I.But frankly, Lilith was an unknown entity to me `and hence I enjoyed discovering this biblical character and her story.
Lyrical Prose and formidable storytelling
This book is unputdownable because Shinie Antony is an accomplished writer. Her writing is almost poetic.The words just flow in beautiful rhythm and her narration is vivid and fascinating bringing alive the characters and transporting the reader to a psychedelic fantasy world.
Interestingly the chapters start backwards – From thirteen to zero.
Unapologetically and Fiercely Feminist
Lilith and Shinie Antony are unapologetic champions of the power of the female sex.Sometimes the lines blur between Lilith and Antony and the modern and the ancient which though confusing at times also makes the book even more relatable and contemporary.Lilith’s story is about rebellion , revenge and even repentance.It questions God’s authority and Adam’s superiority over Lilith or Eve. It mocks unquestioning servitude and demureness when hailed as virtues.Lilith does not shy away even when claiming her right to equality in the bed.She claims her sexuality, demanding to lay above Adam instead of below him.
‘Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith‘ is a fierce celebration of breaking shackles and self discovery.
Final Verdict
I recommend this book to all women especially, it says it is OK to claim what is yours and stand for your values.Better to have believed in yourself and lost rather than wear the crown of servitude.
‘Eden abandoned..’ is a bold statement in feminism and self discovery.I am not sure how factually correct this book is but I know I could relate to it and therein lies Shinie Antony’s strength.
Lilith is a badass and she is not ashamed of it.
Book Specifications
Title: Eden Abandoned -The Story of Lilith
Author : Shinie Antony
Pages : 144
Language : English
Genre : Biblical, Fiction, Religious Fiction, Christianity , Feminism ,
FOR BOOK BUYING LINK – CLICK HERE
” This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program ”
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
“I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter”
Powerful review of a bold book. Is it fiction? I have never heard of Lilith before. Women were created as equal but somewhere down the ages male dominance took over.
Wow I want to read this book. Thanks for the review! Will check it out.
Let us know your thoughts once you are done with the book Cindy.
The story of Lillith is certainly novel. Never heard her before. The idea that Lillith has emerged out of the soil like Adam, makes her Adam’s equal.
May be because of her rebellious nature and lack of the concept of divine femine in Christian texts, Lillith is all but ignored that too when she claims be Adam’s equal in bed. On a lighter note, the first Abraham’s religion suggested two wives for Adam. Another religion improved upon it and proposed four wives.
Interesting tidbits Abhijit!
I love reading mythological stories as it takes me on a different level of journey of life. It offers unique way of visualization about life. I lived the way u penned the review as it made me keen to read it soon. God bless you dear.
Thank you Samata.This book evokes so many questions about the role of women in society Samata.
Lilith is an unknown entity for me as well. It was interesting to know that she’s shapeshifter and a demoness! Adam’s first consort seeking her place and freedom. The first feminist! It sure sounds like a good read.
Sounds like an epic book. I love to fight against demureness, and Shinie Anthony seems to be a woman after my own heart. Goes straight into my TBR.
It was a powerful book about feminism Ratna.I am glad you concur.
Great review dear..love how you highlighted the message about self-discovery and standing up for what you believe in. Lilith sounds like an amazing character who isn’t afraid to be herself. Your recommendation makes me want to read this book even more. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Anjali.Actually it is that which attracted me to this story. A woman who goes against the norms was portrayed as a demon,it is a bold book.
This blog beautifully captures Lilith’s fierce spirit and Shinie Antony’s lyrical storytelling. It’s an empowering read on claiming one’s identity and challenging norms—perfect for anyone seeking bold, unapologetic feminism in mythology.
I haven’t heard of Lilith too. This book seems like a must-read. Thanks for the detailed review.
Yes unabashedly feminist.
I do love reading mytho fiction and a fiery female lead sounds a bonus. Will surely check this one out. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
You have beautifully captured the essence of Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith in your review. I love how you highlighted the feminist undertones and Lilith’s rebellion against the traditional narrative. It sounds like a powerful story of self-discovery and empowerment!
Thank you Neha.There are no feminist undertones, it is out and out feminist!
sounds very interesting. I have not read almost anything based on the western mythology! this might be the beginning for me.
Yes Aditya,Eden abandoned is bold and you may be put off sometimes, but you cannot ignore it.
I am not a fan of any kind of mythology yet this story is so close to the stories I know from the bible that I can really relate to and know the characters but in a different scenario of some sort. It’s the first time for me to hear such kind of story. Appreciate you sharing your book review. Guess, the hype is really real.
The book is surely an eye opener and very relevant.It is not bashful when talking about the needs of a woman.
Wow, that is so new. Mythological characters are always a nice read. So Adam had another story.😆
Mythology is interesting and this one talks about issues that feel relevant and thought provoking.
Lilith is a badass and she is not ashamed of it. —————- That’s all I needed to know to go check out the book 🙂 I love myths and strong characters, especially, women characters. It sounds like its a well-written book, especially as you are unbothered by its accuracy but rather invested in the story itself .
This has been added to my growing TBR list! Your review was intriguing. Never heard of Lilith so that made this even more special
Such an interesting plot. I haven’t heard of this character but I’m definitely giving this a read
Sounds so interesting – I’ve never heard this side of the story!