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cj_spataro's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novella is so interesting, both in its subject matter (the true story of a turn of the 20th C cult in Benton Harbor, MI) and in its delivery. I've read it several times and use it in one of my classes as an example of how to incorporate different "forms." The author also employs different narrative styles and techniques, which could make it challenging for some readers but thoroughly engaging for others. The language on a sentence level is gorgeous.
tvan01's review against another edition
3.0
I had no idea that all of this happened an hour from my home town. Very interesting, and quick read!
ashleybythelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
When browsing the Fairy Tale Review/Wayne State University Press table at AWP, I was offered a free copy of EDEN SPRINGS. Hesitant to take free books unless I know I'll read them or pass them on to someone who will enjoy it, I listened to the pitch from the bookseller. Based off of a true story, I was sold.
Flipping between narrative and clippings from newspapers, I felt unsure of the novella until I finished. It was then that I knew EDEN SPRINGS had hooked me. Like the cult leader it features, the novella hypnotizes you until you reach the epilogue and find yourself image searching Benton Harbor.
Flipping between narrative and clippings from newspapers, I felt unsure of the novella until I finished. It was then that I knew EDEN SPRINGS had hooked me. Like the cult leader it features, the novella hypnotizes you until you reach the epilogue and find yourself image searching Benton Harbor.
greeniezona's review against another edition
3.0
Based on the true story of the House of David, a religious cult/compound in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Interesting premise with some lovely descriptive writing, but the resolution lacked oomph. It all just seemed to slide through my hands in the end, which may be accurate, but was very unsatisfying.
deadwall's review against another edition
3.0
histoire intéressante et légère mais je trouve que le récit perd en intensité à cause des trop nombreux personnages brièvement décrit.e.s
sandyd's review
5.0
This was a strange and poetic novella about a utopian religious community in the early 1900's in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Newspaper excerpts - and historic postcards of Eden Springs, the community's successful amusement park/zoo - add an intriguing foundation and counterpoint to a story of faith, seduction, and jealousy.
The "Israelite House of David" was famous for several things. Followers did not cut their hair (so the men had long hair and beards) or eat meat, they had a famous barnstorming baseball team, and their charismatic leader - "King Ben" - surrounded himself with beautiful young girls and music.
The "Israelite House of David" was famous for several things. Followers did not cut their hair (so the men had long hair and beards) or eat meat, they had a famous barnstorming baseball team, and their charismatic leader - "King Ben" - surrounded himself with beautiful young girls and music.
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