Chris Bohjalian
384 pages
Setting: contemporary Vermont
Chris Bohjalian seems drawn to exploring complex and sometimes controversial topics in his novels. “Secrets of Eden,” his newest work, looks at domestic abuse through the voices of four main characters.
The day after she is baptized, Alice Hayward is found dead in her home, apparently by the hand of her abusive husband, who has committed suicide. Rev. Stephen Drew provides the narrative for the first part of the book, and he shares with author Heather Laurents his crisis of faith that was triggered by the murder-suicide. The deputy state attorney, Catherine Benicasa, brings an entirely different perspective to the murder-suicide theory in her section of the novel, questioning every move of the pastor.
Heather, famous for her books about angels, provides the third voice. Heather's perspective is colored by her family history of abuse. Katie, the daughter of the deceased couple, who is left to cope with memories of an abusive father and the after effects of the murder-suicide, provides the fourth narrative.
The novel is touching, horrifying and full of compassion for the characters. It will draw you in and keep you glued to the pages until the end.
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