"It has frowzy hair and blue eyes, and looks like a reptile" So said Eve, the first time she saw Adam.
Written by Mark Twain way back in 1905, my Book of the Month for March is Eve's Dairy. Though a short story, of about 42 pages, this book comes across as a very interesting and engrossing read, mainly because Twain wrote it as a first person account of Eve, the first woman to live on Earth, in the beautiful Eden.
Full of subtle but clever humour, this book initially seems as if it is a candid confession of Eve, about her ever changing feelings for Adam, the discovery of Fire, how she thinks the world is a mess because "There are too many stars in one place, and too less in others" and how she would love to eat those Beautiful albeit Forbidden Apples.
But read it a second time, and you will see how Mark Twain has effortlessly explained the complexities of the "Man- Woman Relationship".
Tender and amusing, you will find yourself falling in love with Eve's innocence, her mindless babble and her vain efforts to understand Adam.
Towards the end, Adam too gets to speak his mind, which he does most eloquently at the grave of Eve: "Wheresoever she was, THERE was Eden."
Last words: This is one compelling read. Do not miss out on this one :)
wow very nice review and very interesting book! ill try to get a pdf copy. thanks!
ReplyDeletehey please start a series for classics like Classic of the Month...i would love to read your views on the classic literature
ReplyDeleteNice review. and ya, didn't know of thi book. quite interesting
ReplyDeletehm.. Mark Twain is a genius. Will give it a try. thanks
ReplyDeleteShafeeq: this book was actually banned immediately after it was published because it had illustrations of Adam and Eve that were termed pornographic. It sure is a one of a kind book, now available only as pdf and minus the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteHarish: Thanks for going thru this post :) :)
Sharvari: I will surely think upon your suggestion, thnx!!
Hey bookworm, did you know that there is a companion for this one? It's called Adam's Diary also by Mark Twain. You should get a hold of it. To get to know Adam' thoughts on Eve too. :P
ReplyDeleteOh yes i do know about it as well, but unfortunately i have still not been able to get a pdf copy :( the book is not available anymore as a paperback... but i will try to get it and post a review :)
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