Title: Waiting for Eden
Author: Elliot Ackerman
First published September 1, 2018
192 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781101947395 (ISBN10: 110194739X)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
In this heart-wrenching tale, Elliot Ackerman takes us through the life of Eden Malcom, a former soldier who has been left paralyzed and speechless after a tragic incident. His wife Mary is his constant companion, spending every moment by his side, while their daughter remains a stranger to him.
But on one Christmas day, a flicker of life returns to Eden’s mind, and he begins to unravel the secrets that have been hidden away. As he struggles to find his voice, his marriage and life before the war come into question.
Is he the same person he once was, or has war changed him in ways he can’t comprehend? Ackerman’s poignant novel explores the meaning of life and what it truly means to be alive.
About the Author
Elliot Ackerman is an accomplished veteran who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan for five tours of duty. His bravery has earned him multiple awards, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart.
Additionally, he has been a White House Fellow, and his writing has been published in numerous respected publications, such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New Republic, and Ecotone. Ackerman is currently based in Istanbul, where he focuses his writing on the Syrian Civil War.
Editoral Review
Elliot Ackerman’s Waiting for Eden is a stunningly poignant novel about the enduring human experience of grief and connection. Released in September 2018, the book has been lauded as one of the best works of fiction of recent years.
Ackerman, a former Marine and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, writes with a depth of insight and empathy that is rare in contemporary literature. Waiting for Eden is a profoundly moving book that confronts its readers with the realities of sacrifice, loyalty, and meaning in life.
The novel tells the story of Eden, a soldier who is trapped in a coma following a devastating explosion in Iraq. His wife, Mary, has kept vigil by his bedside for years, tending to his physical needs and struggling to cling onto the illusion of his existence.
As time passes, their relationship becomes ever more strained, as Eden’s best friend, a fellow Marine who was also involved in the blast, begins to complicate things further. Ackerman’s prose is elegant and measured, conveying both the stillness of grief and the frenzied pace of modern life.
His observation of the human condition is awe-inspiring, and his exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the value of sacrifice is both timeless and urgent. Waiting for Eden is a novel that is bound to resonate with readers across cultures and generations.
Its themes and insights are as relevant today as they were during the Vietnam War or the First World War, and the book is sure to be celebrated as a masterpiece of modern literature. With its precise and delicate prose, the book is the perfect choice for anyone who wishes to explore the depth and richness of the human experience.
It is a book that should be read and treasured by anyone who values thoughtful, reflective literature that speaks directly to the heart. In terms of rating, Waiting for Eden is a deserving five out of five.
Its nuanced storytelling, deep insights, and vivid characters make it one of the best books of recent years. Whether you’re a casual reader or a committed bibliophile, this is a must-read book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
