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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Strange Tales and Shadowy Beings from Beyond the Bible by Edward N. Brown is a collection of original short story reboots that are rooted in biblical scripture but come from alternative early Christian texts, extra-canonical books, and gospels. Each story reads perfectly well as a standalone and recrafts what has been long ignored by contemporary readers. They range in length, tone, and tenor. In The Goddess of the River, after being banished from Eden, Eve and Adam contemplate wedlock, juggling divine commandments and Satan's deceptions. River goddesses raise questions about procreation and, through prayer and divine intervention, they're guided by archangels on the sanctity of marriage. In Young Melchizedek, years after the Great Flood, Noah instructs his sons to fulfill a prophecy about Adam's body. Shem and Melchizedek journey to the Ark, facing miraculous obstacles. They lay Adam to rest on Golgotha, where Christ's crucifixion later redeems him.
I really enjoyed reading Strange Tales and Shadowy Beings from Beyond the Bible by Edward N. Brown. This is a bigger deal than it might sound, given that I am not, and never have been, a Christian. This obviously matters as it sheds light on the universal appeal that Brown's collection has, and its accessibility, regardless of what you do or do not believe. The writing is entertaining, although it does occasionally veer into the academic, but it rarely feels preachy. The caveat to this is the reference notes at the end of each story, which readers can take or leave if they choose to follow up. My favorite tale in the whole collection follows in the far-off footsteps of the first murder in the history of mankind, called The Death of Cain. Lamech, Cain's descendant, unintentionally kills while attempting to protect his cattle from what he believes to be a threat. Upon realizing his mistake, Lamech further compounds the tragedy by murdering the young shepherd who witnessed the event, serving as a cautionary lesson against the descent into violence and straying from divine guidance. Well written, engrossing, and thought-provoking. Very highly recommended.
