Review of Killing Abel
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- Latest Review: Killing Abel by Michael Tieman
Review of Killing Abel
[Following is a volunteer review of "Killing Abel" by Michael Tieman.]
Killing Abel by Michael Tieman incorporates the Biblical perspective of human history to tell a compelling story about the relationship between God, man, love and law. The events of the book are presented to have occurred within the first two millennia of human existence on earth, from the creation of man to the great flood in the days of Noah. It is a work of fiction.
After God created them, the first couple, Adam and Eve, are portrayed as physically adults but mentally infants. This made them pliable. It was, therefore, no surprise that while they would willingly obey God’s instructions, they could just as easily be convinced to rebel against God. Man’s learning abilities and adaptable nature ensured their survival after their abrupt expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The progress of learning was dictated by necessity: from swimming, making fires and fruit gathering to tool making, animal husbandry and delivering babies. The single human settlement lived in harmony. Even when the population increased, disputes were minimal and minor. There was no need for criminal law. However, this world order broke down when Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is murdered. Questions are raised by Adam’s children about the concepts of justice, fairness and vengeance. His answers, or lack of, would shape human law forever.
I like this book because of the logic with which the author connects a series of otherwise independent events. Tieman explains in his introductory note that the story in Killing Abel will attempt to explain the gaps in the Biblical account of man’s history as contained in the Book of Genesis. I believe the book succeeds in giving a scenario where the events are plausible. Further, the explanation about the emergence of giants, the sons of God, and their relations with the daughters of men was extremely brilliant. I also liked the use of Adam’s storytelling as a vehicle for flashbacks. It enabled the author to explain the historical relationships between past and present events without disrupting the flow of the book. In addition, every notable person in the genealogy of Adam, from Adam to Noah, was given a distinct personality.
I did not dislike anything about the book. I found the conversations of the Godhead (the Trinity), and their interactions with man, very interesting. However, these parts may upset adherents of the Christian (and other Abrahamic) faith(s), and may be viewed as blasphemous. Regardless, Tieman uses disclaimers in the introductory note and postscript to assert that Killing Abel is merely fiction and should not be mistaken for theology.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is well written. Also, the editing is exceptional. I found no grammatical errors or typos. The plot is easy to follow.
I recommend this book for all lovers of fiction. However, as earlier stated, this book may be controversial amongst persons of certain religious communities.
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Killing Abel
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Killing Abel by Michael Tieman incorporates the Biblical perspective of human history to tell a compelling story about the relationship between God, man, love and law. The events of the book are presented to have occurred within the first two millennia of human existence on earth, from the creation of man to the great flood in the days of Noah. It is a work of fiction.
After God created them, the first couple, Adam and Eve, are portrayed as physically adults but mentally infants. This made them pliable. It was, therefore, no surprise that while they would willingly obey God’s instructions, they could just as easily be convinced to rebel against God. Man’s learning abilities and adaptable nature ensured their survival after their abrupt expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The progress of learning was dictated by necessity: from swimming, making fires and fruit gathering to tool making, animal husbandry and delivering babies. The single human settlement lived in harmony. Even when the population increased, disputes were minimal and minor. There was no need for criminal law. However, this world order broke down when Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is murdered. Questions are raised by Adam’s children about the concepts of justice, fairness and vengeance. His answers, or lack of, would shape human law forever.
I like this book because of the logic with which the author connects a series of otherwise independent events. Tieman explains in his introductory note that the story in Killing Abel will attempt to explain the gaps in the Biblical account of man’s history as contained in the Book of Genesis. I believe the book succeeds in giving a scenario where the events are plausible. Further, the explanation about the emergence of giants, the sons of God, and their relations with the daughters of men was extremely brilliant. I also liked the use of Adam’s storytelling as a vehicle for flashbacks. It enabled the author to explain the historical relationships between past and present events without disrupting the flow of the book. In addition, every notable person in the genealogy of Adam, from Adam to Noah, was given a distinct personality.
I did not dislike anything about the book. I found the conversations of the Godhead (the Trinity), and their interactions with man, very interesting. However, these parts may upset adherents of the Christian (and other Abrahamic) faith(s), and may be viewed as blasphemous. Regardless, Tieman uses disclaimers in the introductory note and postscript to assert that Killing Abel is merely fiction and should not be mistaken for theology.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is well written. Also, the editing is exceptional. I found no grammatical errors or typos. The plot is easy to follow.
I recommend this book for all lovers of fiction. However, as earlier stated, this book may be controversial amongst persons of certain religious communities.
******
Killing Abel
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Killing Abel by Michael Tieman
