“Unflinchingly honest, this is a novel that will have you in stitches from laughter while stealing your breath away with its emotional intensity”
– Theresa Smith
About the book
With their farm destroyed by fire, Lillian agrees to the demands of her husband to move to the coastal town of Eden, next door to his Aunt Maggie, to help look after her. Juggling the demands of caring for her children and managing two households, and stoically enduring her husband’s continued indiscretions, Lillian finds an unlikely ally in the feisty, eccentric Aunt.
With wonderfully drawn characters reminiscent of Ruth Park and Kylie Tennant, Cheryl Adam brings to life the realities of rural Australia in the 1950s and highlights the endless demands made on women like Lillian. Exquisitely capturing Australian life in the postwar years, this rich, raw novel is also a joyous celebration of family and friendship.
Lillian’s Eden shows that sometimes happiness can be found in the most unlikely of places.
SPINIFEX PRESS | ISBN 9781925581676 | Paperback | 234 x 153mm | 308 pages | A$29.95
Also available in ebook from etailers Apple, Kobo, Kindle and library platforms, or directly from the publisher
“Lillian’s Eden opens a magic door into 1950s rural Australia. It is an elegantly-paced, colourful excursion down memory lane, complete with money worries, murky family secrets, an eccentric old aunt, an abusive, adulterous husband, and a feisty, courageous wife.
Tragedy, comedy, farce, tenderness, triumph — and grit.”
Media coverage
Sydney Morning Herald | The Age
This is engaging and tragic-comic historical fiction showing how the lives of women in regional Australia were limited by the laws and social norms of the era. There is a large number of vividly drawn characters, some subtle treatment of the importance of female solidarity in dark times, and a really impressive picture of the dynamics of families, couples and marriage.
Good Reading Magazine
Author Cheryl Adam says, ‘This is my first novel and I’m 73. Never give up on a dream.’
Lillian’s Eden is a racy and entertaining domestic drama. It’s a good snapshot of Australia in the 1950s with its racist attitudes, family stresses and Bex Powders antidote.
Reader reviews
Theresa Smith Writes, blog
Lillian’s Eden has a rather classic feel to it, harking back to life during the 1950s in rural Australia. In many ways, it is reminiscent of The Dressmaker and Cloudstreet, with its element of the ridiculous that only comes with this type of nostalgic Australian fiction. Unflinchingly honest, this is a novel that will have you in stitches from laughter while stealing your breath away with its emotional intensity
...All in all, Lillian’s Eden was an entertaining read from start to finish and I recommend it highly. It’s a very frank novel that doesn’t sugar coat reality, but it’s also nicely balanced and doesn’t ever push itself too far or give up too soon. As far as debuts go, Cheryl Adam is off to an incredibly good start. Read more
Reader, GoodReads
Wow I loved this book!! You wouldn’t think Cheryl Adam is a first time novelist. From the very first chapter I was hooked. The story is wonderful. The characters are brilliant and the Australian small town setting is just colourful and entertaining
Blue Fairy Tales, blog
Lillian’s Eden reminded me very much of The Dressmaker, in multiple ways. It was edgy, smart, funny and somewhat relatable and yet brutally blunt and honest.
...This book was entertaining from start to finish with brutal honesty and striving times. Adam’s definitely hit a banger with this one and since it is her first book, I am gobsmacked. Cannot wait to see what Adam’s writes next.
Reader, GoodReads
This book has heart. It has heart, it has a soul. It has resilience, resistance, and strength.
Reader, Amazon
A thoroughly enjoyable, well written read with a good storyline and interesting and amusing characters .
Reader, GoodReads
The book is well written, charming and at time truly laugh out loud funny. The character of Aunt Maggie is the clear star of the story and you’ll want to keep reading to find out more about her.
Reader, Amazon
Just finished reading Lillian’s Eden by Cheryl Adam. What a read, wonderful book loved Lillian and Aunty Mavis and the kids, Eric and family so real. The Funeral left me with laughter that stayed with me for some time.
... this book would make a splendid film.
Reader, GoodReads
I loved the book....easy read..a page turner. Created great visuals.
Read more about Cheryl Adam in the Eden Magnet
Listen to Cheryl Adam on RTRFM