Almost to Eden is the June selection of my church book club, Page Turners. We selected this book because of its connection with Jekyll Island and because the author was awarded a Georgia Book award for it in 2011. While part was set in Jekyll, the majority of the book was centered in New York City. The novel follows Maggie O’Brien, an Irish immigrant, from her first steps on Ellis Island through her young years as a domestic at Jekyll and through her later life as a nanny. Maggie faces what other immigrants face — loneliness, prejudice — and faces the unconquerable struggle against power and wealth. Beginning in 1911, the novel would be perfect for those who love Downton Abbey or the older series, Upstairs, Downstairs.

Almost to Eden was a good read, but not what I was expecting. Not enough of the book was set in Jekyll Island and it was a bit of a soap opera. The author does do a good job of weaving significant historical events into Maggie’s story. She even includes a very controversial adoption case from the 1950s that I remembered from a movie I saw years ago. Those were nice touches. But for a book billed as a Georgia novel it falls a bit short. One side note: two of the characters that play an integral part in Maggie’s life actually existed and were the inspiration for the story. You find out just how in the afterword.

So should you read this book? I think so. It is a good story that held my interest, and was full of historical detail and family drama. It should be noted that this is not a Christian novel. There was mention of God’s hand in circumstances, but God is treated as a far off being, concerned about us, but not really in a relationship with His people. There is also an intimate sexual encounter that is detailed. (It was kind of funny to me — pure romance novel stuff.) ( )

Enjoyable, although very romantic, tale of the early 20th century. ( )