Eden West

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2015

Review

Since he was five years old, Jacob has lived inside Nodd, a patch of land in Montana where members of the Grace Church await the coming of the prophet Zerachiel and their ascent to heaven. Jacob's faith is shaken when he meets two teens from the World, Tobias and Lynna. Tobias arrives with his mother and sister, seeking to become Grace themselves. However, the transition is not easy for Tobias, who questions and fights the Truth by which the Grace live by. Jacob meets Lynna during one of his patrols of Nodd's fence, and becomes helplessly and shamefully attracted to her. Outside forces in the form of politicians also invade Nodd to question the safety and legitimacy of the Grace's cult. In the face of so much turmoil, Jacob is forced to examine his faith and himself.

Hautman's novel provides a thorough character study of the protagonist, but teens may fail to be hooked by his internal struggles. The pace of the book is slow and contemplative, and may leave readers wishing for more decisive action. A polygamous cult leader with a fixation on teenage wives who possesses absolute power who begins to crumble, the monotonous lifestyle of the cult, and the temptations of the world outside are familiar world-building devices. However, Hautman gracefully delves into an exploration of belief and church communities, leaving room for readers to make their own conclusions about the cult while examining their own faiths. A grim, introspective, and uplifting novel for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: good