If you want to get a peek into how life was at the beginning, First Family is the book for you. It is a smooth read which takes the reader through the complex issues of Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel.
Judging the Book by its Cover - a first glance review:The cover correctly doesn't show the faces of the original family, rather it has their silhouettes. I believe that there are midrashim that say that they were much taller and even the children were born the size of adults. But the concept is clear regardless. It shows the first parents and their first children alone amidst nature.
Some Details I Liked:
The author, Alice Langholt, has a Masters Degree in Jewish Studies and was able to keep the story line true to the text.
The way the characters "express themselves" is so clear that when Eve tells Adam that she has life inside her, I literally had tears of joy in my eyes for the continuation of humanity.
Who This Book is For:
This book is great for those that want to feel more connected to the Biblical characters. First Family is written in first voice, switching between all the players, including GOD. It is done well, with respect to each one.
Who This Book Isn’t For:
There are some parts of the book that hint to things, in what I felt was refined, but should still be mentioned before recommending the book. For instance, Eve experiences monthly bleeding or how she expresses that the baby comes out from the same place.
The killing of Abel is described in somewhat gory details. Again, I enjoyed the dramatic way it is written, but wouldn't recommend it to someone who would be bothered by that.
What I Didn’t Like/Would Have Made it Better:
I would have enjoyed getting the Garden of Eden's or the earth's perspective as well.
In Conclusion:
The book is typeset nicely and easy to read, ending at just the right part, making it a nice read for this time of year or anytime. I think a lot of people would benefit from more books like this one.
Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.
