Eden by Jamie Lisa Forbes takes us back to North Carolina in the 1950s, to a time when it was important to do the expected, even if it meant fulfilling other peoples’ dreams. It’s a novel that reminds us when “coloreds” rode in back of the bus, when a “decent” white person wasn’t seen shaking a black person’s hand.
Rowen Hart just graduated from high school when his father’s suicide tears his dreams apart. Rowen has been accepted to college, but now, without funds or hope, he finds himself responsible for his ailing mother. Their black maid, Adeline, is really the backbone of the family, the one who holds everything together. It would never be said, of course, but she’s his mother’s best friend, the only person who really understands her. Adeline sees Rowen’s confusion and urges him to find work, to get past feeling sorry for himself.
Along comes Eden, a ten-year old, red-headed firecracker of a girl. She needs a home and Adeline can’t turn her down, much to Rowen’s dismay. Eden breaks all the rules of proper decor, all the while doing whatever she can to win Rowen’s approval.
Rowen is offered a job at a construction firm, discovers he is good at his job and takes his responsibilities seriously. He meets and eventually marries Jewell, the epitome of a proper southern girl. But just when life seems to be coming together, Rowen begins to doubt the way of life he has always known, to wonder about expectations and fairness.
I found Eden a valuable novel that reminded me how far our nation has come toward recognizing equality. The story also gives us a reminder of how difficult growing up is, of how life’s choices made in youth can affect not only self, but whomever those choices involve. Angst doesn’t just happen to youth—it can follow a person throughout life.
Great review, Mary! We have come along way and more work needs to be done in everyone’s hearts.
I agree, Carmen. So much of a good attitude is just being aware of the problem.
Hi Mary, I appreciate your reviews of American authors whose books might be well-known regionally but may have been missed by readers elsewhere.
Thank you for your comment, Gloria. I appreciate your visiting my website and reading my blogs.
Mary: I too am glad we’ve come this far. But vigilance is on-going. So this book will be a good reminder for me and my northern-roots naivete.
Yes, you’re right, Judith. Just watch the news and we learn we have a way to go. But, it is better than it was in the 1950s.
Sounds good, Mary. I think I’ll read it. I always enjoy your reviews
Jerilyn in Mount Vernon
Thank you, Jerilyn. We’re practically neighbors! It is a good book and it made me appreciate how far our country has come in recognizing individual worth.