This book is chock full of feelings, so keep the tissues nearby. And, I always recommend checking in with yourself, because if you’re not emotionally ready, the book will wait for you.
About the Book
Everything familiar to Eliza has been ripped away. Even worse, the cruel deed was done by her own hands.
Nassau, Bahamas, 1791…
Eliza Sharpe, recently wed to a mysterious and brooding soldier, departs for the West Indies with him to begin their new life. Once there, she realizes their marital arrangement is ill-fated and that she has made a disastrous choice. Charles, the man she finds herself bound to, is nothing short of a monster.
On their very first night in New Providence, her innocence is irrevocably shattered. The walls of her new home hide a dark family secret, and Eliza realizes that the freedom she sought within marriage is a worse cage than the constraints she faced before.
Eliza struggles with her new existence, her exposure to Charles’ explosive temper, the brutality of slavery, and her isolation as she tries to grow accustomed to life on distant shores. The only source of comfort she finds is swimming in the startlingly clear ocean, an activity Charles expressly forbids.
As she attempts to flee her deteriorating situation, an unexpected encounter with a beguiling stranger named Jean offers a promise of escape. Despite the dark rumors that swirl around her recent acquaintance and his mysterious past, he captures Eliza’s interest, and ultimately, her heart―with deadly consequences.
On an island where nothing is as it appears, Eliza is confronted with the harsh realities of living on the fringe of empire, of womanhood, and the overt corruption that festers in the governor’s mansion on the hill. Will she ever be able to secure her freedom―and possibly even find redemption in love?
STRANGE EDEN is the first novel in Gina Giordano’s Strange Eden series.
My Thoughts
Atmospheric novels are one of my favorite kind to read. They pull you into the pages in a way that others couldn’t. If asked to explain to someone exactly what an atmospheric novel was, I’d have to resort to that old adage about erotic materials – “I know it when I see it.” Or maybe feel it is a better way to say it. There’s just something that jumps off the pages and makes the story more visible, engrossing, and real than others. Where you’re reading and you all of a sudden realize, oh no, I was supposed to leave ten minutes ago.
Our main character Eliza is intriguing. She wants freedom and somehow thinks getting married in the 1920s will give her that. To be fair, her parents aren’t a bucket of sunshine. And Charles, her erstwhile suitor, puts on an interesting performance. Because of the time she lives in, it can be so easy to get caught up in victim-blaming. She was a woman before her time, which often creates an outcast. Finding a like-minded, charming friend was such a lucky thing. Surely? The fact that he’s handsome is just a nice bonus, right? You’ll have to read to find out. And it’s a decision you won’t regret. If you need a good book to pass the time, especially if you’re waiting for something or going on an airplane and really need to escape, this one will suck you right in and make you forget whatever is bothering you. Just like a great book should.
Though, warning, you might get very worked up over several things. This is really an emotional book in that it will make you feel a full gamut of emotions.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy heavy, emotional reads full of atmospheric descriptions and complex historical notions, you will adore this book. It is filled with the gritty reality of a different time. From slavery to the harsh realities of being a woman in the early 20th century, this author doesn’t pull punches when pulling back the curtain on this tale of love, loss, and womanhood.
Content Warnings: Slavery, Violence, Sexual Assault, Infidelity, Sexism, Domestic Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Cruelty
About the Author
Gina Giordano always had an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for history. Born in New York City, she is a writer, artist, and a conjurer of the past. She holds a BA in history and a master’s degree in historical fiction from New York University, and has traveled to over fifty-five countries across the globe. When she is not climbing ancient ruins or exploring forgotten palaces, she enjoys swimming with sharks in remote pristine waters. Her debut novel, STRANGE EDEN, was longlisted for the 2023 Bath Novel Award.
To sign up for exciting news and to find out more about the author follow her on Instagram @ginagiordanobooks.
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/0XR722G
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9798986983400
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/066Pghx8
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122966503-strange-eden
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Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.