Eden Close

In 1989, Anita Shreve published her first novel, "Eden Close." Remember that when you read this incredible book because very few novelists are able to do this the first time. The plot is riveting--even if it's a little bit predictable--and the characters are so real it will feel as if they are living and breathing.In upstate New York in a small farming community in the early 1960s, two houses are situated 70 feet from each other with nothing else around except corn fields. Andy and his parents live in one house. Edith and Jim Close, a childless couple, live in the other house. One day, a baby is left at Edith and Jim's driveway. They name the little girl Eden. This is the story of Andy and Eden's lives, which were punctuated by tragedy and scarred by secrets. But both of them must face the horrors of their past when Andy comes home as an adult to bury his mother and clean out the family home.This inherently compelling book has it all--a page-turner of a story, a mystery and a romance.

Anita Shreve's novels are guilty pleasures for me, with some very strong qualities and equally predictable deficiencies. Both aspects are fully displayed in "Eden Close," her first novel published in 1989.Shreve's prose is lean, sharp, evocative and always a breeze to read. She's great at creating tension, twisting the plot and building toward an exciting climax. "Eden Close" has a riveting opening scene and, for me, it remained quite a page-turner throughout. I read it in two sittings. Unlike some reviewers, I even liked the ending, which did not strike me as a simple, happy ending but measured in tone. The voices of the principal characters on the very last page express hope but they are also tinged by sadness and doubt. Andrew's last line seems particularly ambiguous to me.So I really liked "Eden Close" until I thought about it afterward. That's when Shreve's weak characterizations usually start bugging me as they did in this case. (spoiler ahead) Other reviewers have mentioned the passivity of both protagonists and the inconsistency of Eden's seemingly bold then paralyzed character. Victims respond in many ways to trauma, so Eden's transformation is not beyond reality but it still didn't make sense to me. And given her troubled sexual history, I was surprised how she responded to Andrew. She reluctantly acquiesces and is then mostly a passive object of his desires, which is kind of a creepy replication of the abuse she endured. Therein lies my guilt. In addition, all the secondary characters are cliches.So once again with Shreve, I experienced a compelling, page-turning story followed by many reservations.

I ordered this book to study the author"s writing style. This is a story that resonated with me,after reading it the first time. I think Anita Shreve writes about relationships that are complex and in this story the attraction and caring between the main characters is well depicted, the story and suspense is well paced with the underlying truths unfolding..Beautifully written and "try to forget" its impact because you won't be able to forget this book. The concept of abuse in families and how people cope with that is a very real problem. This author addresses the social issues in our culture and all her books address something different.

I found the first have to be very slow. It was difficult for me to participate in. And then a little more than halfway through the book at became smoother, easier. Some of the secrets I don't think ever really were, because I had no problems knowing what they were long before they were brought forth. It didn't make them any less however. I've always loved the way she describes things. And the story is no exception. Even now that I'm finished with the book I can still picture the pond with the big trees Sunny cornfields the Gold water and the red lilies. Well I wouldn't say it's my favorite novel bye Anita Shreve, I would read it again

Anita Shreve's First Novel, Eden Close was a tantalizing image of the form and character her future books would take. Mysterious, compelling and contagious, the story is gripping. Shreve's book are easy to read and easy to like. She is a master at developing rich, true to life characters....flawed and often troubled, but heroic and noble as they struggle with their situations. I read this as a warm up to reading her 4 book mini series know as the "Fortune's Rocks Quintet" , and it was a perfect way to connect on a deeper level with those.She has 17 books/novels out and I have now read 8...soon that will be all of them!!! Most of her books only take a couple days to read, partly because they are laced with rich dialog, but also because they hook you so deeply you just can't put them down !Others I've recently read include "The Pilot's Wife" ,her most famous book, and it's easy to see why. ( it's #3 in the Tuscan series), I also found "Testimony" and "the Weight of Water" totally compelling. She always has a story and plot issue that is important and relevant.....holds suspense almost magically, and has never let me down when the resolution arrives.Oh yah.....back to Eden.....it was a 'quiet' book...simple yet rich, and very haunting. I loved it!

This was one of those books that I simply could not put down once I'd started reading it. The emotions, the characters and the relationships that are covered in this relatively short book leave you gasping for more. The story is constantly driven by a curiosity to find out more, to find out exactly what happened to Eden that night so long ago. At the same time it moves on because you want to find out what's going to happen to Eden in the future. Although she's not the main character she's the one who carries the story into the past and back to the future, she's the central figure and at times it's frustrating that Ms Shreve doesn't really let us inside her head, but we're forced to get to know her through the much less interesting Andrew. If you're already a fan of Anita Shreve you're going to love this book. If you've never read another Anita Shreve book this is the one I'd recommend for you to start with as it shows off the true potential of the woman who later produced the masterpieces Fortune's Rock and Strange Fits of Passion.

A slow unfurling tale of a group of youngsters and the tragedy that touches all of them which is exquisitely shocking, moving and mysterious in turns. A truly absorbing engrossing read. Shreve’s depictions of love in all its forms is sheer magic. Highly recommende

This is the stifling story of Eden and her mother living with the legacy of an horrific night 19 years before, in which her father was killed.Andy, her childhood sweetheart, comes back home from the city to sell his mother's house after her death, and finds the vulnerable Eden silently pleading to be saved from her oppresive half-life.The writing is powerful, sparse and intense - you can really feel the torment of a record-breaking August heatwave and the anguish that is intrinsic to the lives of the characters.

This is the first novel by Anita Shreve. It is also my favourite. Not sure why it is not as highly rated as some of her later books, certainly not as widely read. The story revolves around the story teller returning to his childhood home on the death of his mother so as to clear up family effects. This leads into the mystery of a shooting in the neighbour's house when he was a boy. My daughter thinks it is too sentimental - but, that's fine with me. Gripping. Recommend!

An engrossing read and unusual storyline. Beautifully written as are all of Anita Shreve’s books.

Takes a while to get into, but improves enormously toward the last third or so! Would have given four stars but for the beginning!

So well written you forgive the flawed characters she creates. Had to keep reading till the end, even though I had guessed the story.

I just had to know what happened and the ending was brilliant. Anita Shreve is outstanding at painting a picture and weaving a complicated web.

A sad Christmas away from family. Troubles so bad from being had. I read this book non-stop almost from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day. I didn't go to bed, but took naps. I absolutely loved it. My teenage son read it afterwards and absolutely hated it.

This was bought for my daughters revision work. Book as stated good delivey time very fair price all one could ask for . Would deal with these people again.

great book and wonderful author

Again although I'd guessed what happened to Eden on the fateful day and who had actually pulled the trigger it's a decent read.

Well written in her usual style

good

A good read