LDS Books: Leaving Eden

Outstanding LDS Fiction Award (2004) The Association of Mormon Letters

Having been relocated to London by their parents, Judith and her cancer-stricken younger brother, Gabriel, find themselves living in an ancient schoolhouse so their parents can research and microfilm the school’s historical records. While his mother and father are preoccupied down in the archives, Gabriel remains upstairs, wasting away. Judith begins to worry that their family ties are wasting away, too.

An old silver heart-shaped pendant and visits from a ghostly apparition of a young boy seem to hold the key to her family’s past, and future.

As Judith learns more about her ancestors and the history of the heart pendant, she is able to see her parents with greater compassion. She is tempted to give up on them, but begins to realize that what her family needs, more than anything, is each other.

Reviews -

The author delicately balances the range of emotions experienced by readers learning about the Casey family and their ancestors. The great welding link, the Disciples of Christ Schoole for Boys and Girles, is the setting for most of the story. Amber Esplin's keen sense of subtle humor allows the reader to laugh often; just as important, her wit is never at the expense of others. At other times, the reader is subdued as he or she relates to the trials, challenges, and shortcomings of the characters in the novel. Leaving Eden has further motivated me to cherish the relationships I have with family and friends, and instilled in me a gratitude for the encouragement and other spiritual gifts they so freely share.