Title: Eden Lost
Author: Richard Taylor
Publisher: URLink Print & Media
ISBN: 978-1647538637
Pages: 278
Genre: Historical Romance
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
Eden Lost is an entrancing historical romance novel by author Richard Taylor. It’s the year 1898. The United States has declared war on Spain, the US Navy under the command of Commodore George Dewey has already repositioned warships to nearby Mirs Bay and is making final preparations to sail by provisioning the ships, recalling crews, and completing last-minute maintenance. Their destination is Manila, the oriental island of the Philippines.
Josh Armand, an American steam engineer and merchant, had been given a replacement role in the military ship after the regular repairman fell sick. Upon the American fleet landing in Manila, his path crosses with that of Isabella Germain, a local single woman of Spanish and Filipino descent. He is immediately besotted with her, and soon a full-fledged yet complicated relationship begins between the handsome American and the mysterious Caribbean woman. The two are on opposite sides of the war and this poses a challenge to their relationship. Intriguing developments ensue as Josh’s business ventures lead to his abduction by Chinese captors. Readers will ultimately be enthralled by the numerous twists and turns before and after this dramatic event.
Taylor’s book is a page-turner and the atmosphere of Manila, where the book is mainly set and the then-Spanish metropolitan hub is vividly drawn. One can practically see the fog hanging like a veil, the dense clouds and the coconut palms of Manila Bay. But the chemistry between the key character Josh and Isabella, is what crackles most. Taylor has undoubtedly done immaculate research before writing this text and it is seamlessly woven into the story. The long and tenuous independence of the Philippines is also entwined here and the feelings and sentiments of the Filipinos concerning the conflict are skillfully rendered through ample dialogue.
Much of the book’s nuances lie in the arresting battle scenes that display much military intelligence along with the turbulent relationship which holds the narrative arc, despite the affection and adulation the two main characters feel for each other. Also, the bittersweet conclusion holds the attention and remains memorable in readers’ minds.
Eden Lost is a compulsively readable tale couched in history that gives voice to an often-neglected nook of history and is a remarkable addition to its genre.