This Other Eden by Paul Harding is largely praised for its lyrical prose and evocative storytelling, drawing readers into a richly detailed world. Critics commend Harding's deft character development and thematic depth. However, some feel the narrative pacing is slow and occasionally meandering. Overall, the novel's strengths in atmosphere and language outweigh its minor flaws.

Readers who enjoy Paul Harding's This Other Eden are often captivated by historical fiction brimming with rich, lyrical prose and philosophical depth. Fans of Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge would appreciate the novel's focus on complex characters and intricate storytelling.

This Other Eden by Paul Harding follows the Honey family on Apple Island, a reimagined Malaga Island, as they navigate intense prejudice and the rise of eugenics in early 20th-century America. The diverse community faces government eviction due to racial and economic discrimination, finding moments of support through art and family ties. Contains depictions of racism, discrimination, and forced eviction.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Emotional / Bittersweet

**Esther Honey**  
The oldest islander, whose past experiences inform her worldview and relationships, especially her distrust of outsiders.

**Ethan Honey**  
A talented artist and grandson of Esther, who struggles with his identity as he can pass as white and experiences life both on and off the island.

**Matthew Diamond**  
A well-intentioned outsider who comes to teach the island children but unintentionally contributes to their eventual eviction.

**Bridget Carney**  
A maid from an island off Ireland who works on the Hale estate and forms a significant relationship with Ethan.

**Eha Honey**  
The father of Ethan and a supportive son to Esther, who becomes more active in leading his family as the story unfolds.

**Zachary Hand to God Proverbs**  
A carpenter and island resident who serves as a mentor to Esther and a moral anchor for the community.

**The Apple Islanders**  
Other residents of the island, including families and individuals like the McDermott sisters and Rabbit Lark, who share connections with the Honeys and navigate their own challenges.

Paul Harding

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore This Other Eden reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read This Other Eden | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore This Other Eden and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

This Other Eden Summary and Study Guide

Background

This Other Eden Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Pages 1-57

This Other Eden Part 1, Pages 1-57 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 58-102

This Other Eden Part 1, Pages 58-102 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 This Other Eden Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Parts 3-4

This Other Eden Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

This Other Eden Character Analysis

theme

Themes

This Other Eden Themes

Symbols & Motifs

This Other Eden Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

This Other Eden Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

This Other Eden Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

This Other Eden Essay Topics

This Other Eden

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read This Other Eden?

Reading Age

Book Details