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Lilith by Nikki Marmery

Series:
N/A

Genre:
Biblical Mythology, Mythology, Retellings, Angels and Demons, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, First Person Point of View, Feminism, Judaism and Christianity, Mesopotamia Mythology, Standalone, Novella

Publication Date:
October 17, 2023

Pages Numbers:
336

Read Date:
October 16th, 2023

Date Finished:
October 16th, 2023

Rating:
4.8 /5

Blurb:

In the tradition of Madeline Miller and Claire North, Lilith is the story of the first woman, who was expelled from Paradise for disobedience. In this retelling of the Hebrew myth [NM1] that justified and explained woman's subjection to man, Lilith will have her revenge - however long it takes.
In the Garden of Eden, at the beginning of time, an outrageous lie is born: that women are inferior.

Lilith and Adam are equal and happy in the Garden of Eden. Until Adam decides Lilith should submit to his will and lie beneath him. She refuses - and is banished forever from Paradise.

Demonized and sidelined, Lilith watches in fury as God creates Eve, the woman who accepts her submission. But Lilith has a secret: she has already tasted the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Endowed with Wisdom, she knows why Asherah - God's wife and equal, the Queen of Heaven - is missing. Lilith has a plan: she will rescue Eve, find Asherah, restore balance to the world and regain her rightful place in Paradise.

Lilith's quest for justice drives her throughout history, from the ziggurats of Ancient Sumer to the court of Israel's Queen Jezebel, and to the side of a radical preacher in Roman Judea. In the modern age, as she observes the catastrophic consequences of a world built on inequality, Lilith finally understands what must be done to correct the wrong done to women - and all humankind - at the beginning of time.

Inspired by ancient myths and suppressed scriptures, Lilith is a thought-provoking and ambitious novel with an evocative literary voice and a triumphantly engaging heroine.

Review:

Lilith changes the story of one of the most controversial women in biblical mythology.

Lilith, often seen as a demonic figure in Judaism and Christianity, is said to have been the first wife of Adam. According to the Bible, Lilith refused to submit to Adam and his demands, choosing instead to flee from the Garden of Eden and live outside of human society. She has also been associated with various other evil deeds, including infanticide and sexual promiscuity.

However, in recent interpretations of the story, Lilith has been reimagined as a feminist icon and symbol of strength and independence. Some scholars argue that Lilith's refusal to submit to Adam was not a sign of disobedience, but rather a principled stance against inequality and oppression.

Others point to her association with the goddesses and spirits of ancient Mesopotamia as evidence of her pre-biblical origins and her status as a powerful female figure in early mythologies.

Regardless of the many interpretations of Lilith's story, one thing remains clear: she continues to fascinate and intrigue scholars and readers alike, serving as a potent symbol of female empowerment and rebellion against patriarchal authority.

Throughout the book, Lilith is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who refuses to be submissive to Adam and the patriarchy. She is punished for this defiance and banished from the Garden of Eden. However, Lilith does not forget her roots and continues to fight for her independence and her right to be treated equally.

As the story progresses, Lilith becomes intertwined with historical events such as the story of Abraham and Isaac, the birth of Jesus, and the Crusades. The author shows us Lilith's perspective on these events, giving us a unique and interesting interpretation of biblical stories that we are all familiar with.

The book is rich with symbolism, exploring themes of power, gender, sexuality, and religion. The author uses vivid imagery to create a magical and mystical world full of demons, angels, and supernatural beings.

Final Thought:

This book is a fascinating exploration of the mythology surrounding Lilith and how it has been interpreted in different cultures throughout history. It challenges our understanding of religion and gender roles and shows how powerful and influential stories can be in shaping our beliefs and perceptions.