Rating: 3 ½ Stars
Come Slowly, Eden was initially published in 1975, but was banned in one state for its sexual and relevant content about young women and their sexual relationships with men. The title comes from an Emily Dickinson poem, but it obviously has sexual connotations in the wording. The story takes place on a university campus in New Orleans in 1963, and carries, as part of that setting, a certain level of machismo from some of the men, sentimental and conceding females, and the popular sweet shoppe hang-out spot on campus.
The story follows several characters, but centers on the relationships (sexual and emotional) and mindsets of sweet-as-pie, homecoming queen candidate, Julie and her intellectual, hardworking, self-sufficient roommate, Amanda. Both women deal with their own tribulations: one becomes pregnant in her freshman year and the other pays for college through her part-time prostitution job, respectively. Through their problems and their attempts to find resolutions they become close friends and come to find love and sexual fulfillment unexpectedly.
In the midst of discovering true satisfaction, both women recount moments where sexual intercourse did not hold much weight for them. The reader becomes caught up in flashbacks about the mechanical ways in which they lost their virginity, as well as instances of rape. These past experiences dampen their overall appreciation for intimacy, until these ladies finally find pleasure with their current beaus.
The sex scenes are not too intense. The most sensual and arousing sex scene is that between Amanda and one of her clients as he loses his virginity. The intensity of his learning experience as he comes to finally be intimate with a woman, and as he also learns how to pleasure her, is enticing. The author takes her time with this scene, so that the description and interaction between the client and Amanda is less mechanical and more sensual. However, this scene ends somewhat brutally and takes the reader back into the reality that is Amanda's choice of employment.
Most of the male characters fall to the way side after their introductions and come off as one-dimensional. Professor Steinberg and Tom are the only male characters whom the reader encounters on their own and not solely through the eyes of either Amanda or Julie. Tom comes into play more because of his fascination with Julie and his encounter with Amanda, while Professor Steinberg is initially introduced as a cad who falls in love with Julie after bedding her a few times. There's also Amanda's love interest, Will. Will is the nice guy who could easily soften anyone with a hardened edge. Since the reader is not involved in Will's mindset, it is hard to know what really drives him.
As the story progresses, Julie and Amanda come to terms with the moral decisions that lay before them. Will Julie have an abortion or keep the baby? Now that Amanda is falling in love with Will, can she continue her occupation as a prostitute? Moreover, if she does, will he ever find out?
Keel does a very good job in revealing the internal workings of the characters. The flashbacks also help to reveal why a cohesive family unit means so much to Julie. For Amanda, her insecurities surmount when she finally experiences how wonderful and fulfilling sex can be when sharing physical intimacy with a wanted partner. She's also able to slowly let down the emotional wall she put up from the lack of a stable and compassionate family life.
The way that women are objectified will always be relevant, as will the elements of adolescence and secrets. Overall, Keel's tale is enticing. She supplies a great deal of emphasis on the fact that Julie and Amanda come to terms with themselves and what they choose to do, in addition to whom they choose to be as individuals. For some readers, the ending may be a shocker. There are some typos, name lapses and awkward sentences, but they are sparing and don't really detract from the relevance of the story and the interest in the characters.
Come Slowly, Eden by Charlene Keel is available to download at www.tantalizingtales.com.$3.50.
Originally published September 2006 - "Divine"