This Other Eden by Paul Harding: Longlisted for The Booker Prize 2023

Hardcover. NEW. In a world that can be brutally intolerant towards those who are different, Paul Harding's novel, This Other Eden, offers a powerful exploration of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Set at the beginning of the twentieth century on an enclave known as Apple Island, off the coast of the United States, the story follows the lives of the descendants of Benjamin Honey - a man of mixed heritage who arrived on the island seeking freedom and a chance at a new life. Born enslaved, Benjamin Honey freed himself or fled at the tender age of fifteen. He dreamt of becoming an orchardist, and when he arrived on Apple Island with his Irish wife, Patience, he discovered the perfect opportunity to build a life there. This remote island, composed of waves of castaways in flight from society's judgment, became a sanctuary for those seeking solace and acceptance. Over a century later, the Honey family continues to reside on Apple Island, alongside a diverse and eccentric group of neighbors. But their peaceful existence is disrupted when officials from the mainland decide to "cleanse" the island, imposing their version of civilization upon the inhabitants. A missionary schoolteacher handpicks a light-skinned boy as the one to be saved, while the rest are condemned to institutions or left with no choice but to venture out onto the waters in a desperate attempt to create a new Noah's Ark. Through Harding's lyrical prose and compelling narrative, This Other Eden delves into the dreams, hopes, and unwavering determination of those who do not fit into a society that deems them different. The author's exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and acceptance invites comparisons to literary giants like William Faulkner, Marilynne Robinson, and even Elizabeth Strout. Harding's novel demands to be read and shared widely, as it sheds light on the enduring struggle for equality and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Critics have praised This Other Eden for its masterful storytelling and thought-provoking nature. The Guardian describes the novel as having "much to say to our times," while The New York Times hails it as a "testament of love" that feels so real it could bring tears to your eyes. Esi Edugyan, the author of Washington Black, lauds the book as a luminous and thought-provoking novel, further adding to its acclaim. This Other Eden takes readers on a journey through time, highlighting the experiences of those who have been marginalized, oppressed, and cast aside by society purely due to their differences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding in our world. With its richly drawn characters and emotionally resonant storyline, This Other Eden is a testament to the power of literature and a call for compassion and empathy in an often harsh and unforgiving world. In conclusion, Paul Harding's This Other Eden tells the story of Apple Island and its inhabitants, who have built a home away from a society that judges them for being different. Through the Honey family's journey and the challenges they face at the hands of "civilization," the novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's ability to persevere. With its lyrical prose and thought-provoking narrative, This Other Eden stands as a testament to the power of literature in shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities.