Author: Mark Twain
Narrator: Sean Murphy
Playback: 1hr 45m
Publisher: Oregan Publisher
Genre: Classics, Humor
First Published: 1906
Book description: "Good deal of fog this morning. I do not go out in the fog myself," notes Adam in his diary, adding, "The new creature does. It goes out in all weathers. And talks. It used to be so pleasant and quiet here."
Adam has a lot to learn about Eve, and even more from her, as she names the animals, discovers fire, and introduces all manner of innovations to their garden home. Mark Twain's "translation" of the diaries of the first man and woman offers a humorous "he said/she said" narrative of biblical events. The great American storyteller found comfort and inspiration in the company of women, and his irreverent look at conventional religion is also a thoughtful -- and humorous -- argument for gender equality.
Review:
The first-person narrative, presented in a diary format makes it engaging and very funny how the same situation can be viewed so differently depending on whose perspective we are following.
In Twain's version of the story of Adam and Eve, Adam seems to be quite a lazy and grumpy character at first. He doesn't seem too interested in the new long-haired creature with a different shape, who keeps bothering him with her new ideas.
On the other hand, Eve appears to be quite talkative and curious, always experimenting and exploring. She even goes as far as naming all the animals in the garden and discovering fire. In the story, Cain and Abel make brief appearances as infants that Adam largely ignores, while Eve does all the hard work of raising them. It's not until they are almost full-grown that Adam realizes these puzzling new creatures are his children.
Twain's version of the myth adds a funny and touching twist to the age-old tale, full of his signature sarcastic humor, and incisive intelligence.
Comments