This Other Eden: A Novel By Paul Harding

Shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize and a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award for Fiction, Paul Harding's "This Other Eden" unfolds a powerful narrative inspired by the true story of Malaga Island off the coast of Maine. In 1792, formerly enslaved Benjamin Honey and his Irish wife, Patience, establish a life on the island. A century later, the Honeys' descendants, along with diverse neighbors, face poverty and isolation but find protection from mainland hostility.

Set in the tumultuous summer of 1912, the novel explores the disruptive impact of Matthew Diamond, a retired schoolteacher turned missionary, as he attempts to educate the island's children. Authorities, influenced by eugenics thinking, decide to forcibly evacuate the island, institutionalize its residents, and develop it as a vacation spot.

With prose of breathtaking beauty, Harding introduces an unforgettable cast, including Iris and Violet McDermott, Theophilus and Candace Larks, and the prophetic Zachary Hand to God Proverbs.

"This Other Eden" is a spellbinding story of resistance and survival, a testament to the struggle for human dignity in the face of intolerance and injustice. Recognized by various publications, it stands as a must-read, tackling historical events with sensitivity and enduring relevance. 📚❤️