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They wore perfection like a Sunday dress. But behind closed doors, the seams were splitting. To the outside world, the Eden family were the very picture of virtue - a young couple who had married during World War II, vowing to love and to cherish till death did them part. They were faithful churchgoers, building a small grocer's business, respected in the community, and bound by scripture. But inside their home, faith was wielded like a weapon, and love came with conditions. After almost ten years, their firstborn did nothing to relieve the underlying discomfort of family life. In a day when…mehr

Produktbeschreibung
They wore perfection like a Sunday dress. But behind closed doors, the seams were splitting. To the outside world, the Eden family were the very picture of virtue - a young couple who had married during World War II, vowing to love and to cherish till death did them part. They were faithful churchgoers, building a small grocer's business, respected in the community, and bound by scripture. But inside their home, faith was wielded like a weapon, and love came with conditions. After almost ten years, their firstborn did nothing to relieve the underlying discomfort of family life. In a day when mental health issues, marriage counselling and postnatal depression were dismissed and swept under the carpet, it is no surprise that there was no help for the Edens. For years, silence protected their family's image. But when one child questions the truth buried beneath the prayers and polished smiles, long-buried secrets surface. As the mask slips, so does the fragile grip on control - exposing cycles of emotional cruelty, manipulation, and violence passed off as righteousness. Apportioning blame was paramount because prayer and asking for forgiveness from a higher power absolved all parental responsibility. A haunting and unflinching exploration of religious hypocrisy, The Garden of Eden lays bare the dangers of worshiping appearances over truth - and the strength it takes to find freedom when your cage is made of scripture. Such religious hypocrisy led to family secrets and trauma behind closed doors. This dysfunction created emotional scars that the children carried into adulthood. But all was compounded because of the era the story is set in, the 50s, 60s and 70s. Religion was part of life, separation and divorce were frowned upon and so many families were forced to stay together. Another important factor was the control men had in society simply because they were the breadwinners. Women were tied to having more children and the man who provided their daily bread. Based on a true story, this book spans three decades and tells of a mother and father who constantly battled. Their two children lived with tension and fear of what was to come next. What caused the dysfunction - religion, disappointment or pure rage and the need for revenge?
Autorenporträt
The pen name Ann J Graham is used by Joan Elliott who hails from Scotland, United Kingdom. Born in Glasgow, Joan has travelled the length and breadth of bonnie Scotland, finally settling in Aberdeen in the north. As a teacher, she tutored and coached secondary school pupils then moved to a lecturer's post at teacher training college. She finally took the plunge when she retired and decided to see what Spain held for her. Her idea was to try a life in the sun for 3 months, so she set out to find accommodation in the Costa Blanca. All that was over 10 years ago. Spain is her home now with an open door for her family and friends. After many years of studying for various degrees, all related to education, Joan continues to sign up for courses. At the moment, Spanish at the official school of languages is her passion but she can also be found surveying the land from a kayak or looking out to sea while enjoying Tai Chi on the beach. Her 'Creative Writing Diploma (Distinction)' from the College of Media and Publishing and a recent course on 'Child sexual abuse disclosure: how to support adult survivors' through The Tavistock ad Portman NHS Foundation Trust has served her well in dealing with said survivors who wish to tell their stories. As well as writing 3 memoirs, Ann J Graham (Joan) has found time to offer her services as a book coach and editor.