Eden The Animals' Parable by Keith Korman Giveaway

Korman has crafted a fictional account of some of the gospel events as seen though the eyes of animals, especially a dog. Eden is a faithful follower of Jesus and is near to see and hear what Jesus experienced and taught. Imagined events and conversations have been added, including supposed dialog.

As is often the case when fictionalizing the gospels, there are a few instances of straying from the gospel accounts. Matthew 26:15 says Judas asked for payment to betray Jesus. Korman portrays Judas as a troubled man who, after a conversation with the chief priests, finds the bag of silver outside the doors in a blind alley. Matthew 27:5 says Judas threw the money into the temple before hanging himself. In this novel, the bag of silver is found at the feet of Judas' hanging body. John 19:14b tells us Pilate told the Jews, “Here is your king.” Korman has the son of Herod the Great saying it. Also, after Jesus experienced the temptation in the wilderness, He is described as “beaten.” I would have rather had Jesus described as victorious. Those may not be earth shaking deviations from the gospel accounts but I did find them disconcerting.

Readers who are familiar with the gospel accounts may enjoy this tale. It gives a different slant and interpretation of many of the events. I found it off just enough from the gospel accounts to be distracting. The use of “thee” and “thou” on occasion was odd too. I did appreciate the thought provoking portrayal of the Hollow Man, a shadowing figure sowing evil in the hearts of Judas and the crowd. I would not recommend this book to those unfamiliar with the biblical gospel accounts.

You can find out more about the book and its animals at https://www.edentheanimalsparable.com/.

I am participating in a blog tour of this book. You can find other reviews here.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

Keith Korman is an American literary agent and novelist.

Liberty Island Media, 183 pages. You can purchase a copy here.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.