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Eve's Diary, Complete with Original Cover Design and Over 50 Illustrations
Eve's Diary, by Mark Twain, is a beautiful book with pictures of Eve exploring the delights of Eden on every other page, with the text on the adjacent page. The book is written in Eve's voice and gives her description of the events in Eden and her relationship with Adam, as if she wrote a diary. Shelley Fisher Fishkin, a Twain scholar at Stanford University, said the book was "infused with his appreciation for the women he was close to." This is perhaps because Twain wrote it shortly after his wife, Olivia, died. This book comes fully illustrated with over fifty delightful illustrations and the original cover design.
116 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1905
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About the author
Mark Twain
8,346books18.2kfollowersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the ŷ database.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.
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April 19, 2022
Eve's Diary, Mark Twain
Eve's Diary is a comic short story by Mark Twain. It was first published in the 1905 Christmas issue of the magazine Harper's Bazaar, and in book format in June 1906 by Harper and Brothers publishing house. The "plot" of this story is the first-person account of Eve from her creation up to her burial by her mate Adam, including meeting and getting to know him, and exploring the world around her, Eden. The story then jumps 40 years into the future after the Fall and expulsion from Eden. It is one of a series of books Twain wrote concerning the story of Adam and Eve, including Extracts from Adam's Diary, 'That Day In Eden,' 'Eve Speaks,' 'Adam's Soliloquy,' and the 'Autobiography of Eve.' "Eve's Diary" has a lighter tone than the others in the series, as Eve has a strong appreciation for beauty and love.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و دوم ماه ژوئن سال2002میلادی
عنوان: خاطرات حوا؛ نویسنده: مارک تواین؛ مترجم: امیر آقا محمد حسنی؛ کرمان، کتابخانه، سال1381، در54ص؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1384؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده امریکا - سده19م
طرح این داستان روایت اول شخص «حوا» از زمان آفرینش، تا زمان خاکسپاری ایشان توسط همسرش «آدم» است، از جمله دیدار و شناختن وی و کاوش در جهان پیرامون او «عدن»؛ داستان، پس از چهل سال، به آینده ی پس از سقوط، و اخراج از «عدن» میپرد؛ گذران زندگی «حوا» است، اما مهم‌تری� بخش آن لحظه� ی دیدار «آدم و حوا» در باغ «عدن» است؛ داستان از لحظه� آفرینش «حوا» آغاز می‌شو� که میگوید: حالا تقریباً یک روز سن دارم، انگار دیروز آمدم؛ او می‌بیند� حس می‌کن� و می‌آموزد� متوجه طلوع خورشید در روز و بیرون آمدن ماه در شب می‌شود� این پدیده آنقدر برای او ناگوار بود که حسرت آن را می‌خورد� و دوست نداشت لحظه� ای خورشید از آسمان ناپدید شود؛ با پیگیری تجربیاتش به این نتیجه می‌رس� که برای دیدن و کشف راستیها آفریده شده است؛ پس از گذشت چند روز، «آدم» را می‌بین�! نخست اندیشید که آن موجود یک خزنده است، اما پس از لحظه ای فهمید که آن مرد، همانند خودش است و می‌توان� با او کنار بیاید؛ دنبالش کرد و می‌خواس� با او ارتباط برقرار کند، و نهایتا توانست نزدیکش شود و حرف بزند؛ «حوا» به «آدم» در نام نهادن چیزهایی که می‌دیدن� یاری میکرد؛ در ادامه ...؛
نقل از متن: (اما دعا و آرزوی من این است که ما این راه زندگی را با هم به پایان بریم؛ آرزویم این است كه نمیریم مگر آنکه در قلب هر زن و شوهری که عاشق هم هستند جایی داشته باشیم تا آخر دنیا و عشق بنام من- حوا- خوانده شود.)؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/04/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 29/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Eve's Diary is a comic short story by Mark Twain. It was first published in the 1905 Christmas issue of the magazine Harper's Bazaar, and in book format in June 1906 by Harper and Brothers publishing house. The "plot" of this story is the first-person account of Eve from her creation up to her burial by her mate Adam, including meeting and getting to know him, and exploring the world around her, Eden. The story then jumps 40 years into the future after the Fall and expulsion from Eden. It is one of a series of books Twain wrote concerning the story of Adam and Eve, including Extracts from Adam's Diary, 'That Day In Eden,' 'Eve Speaks,' 'Adam's Soliloquy,' and the 'Autobiography of Eve.' "Eve's Diary" has a lighter tone than the others in the series, as Eve has a strong appreciation for beauty and love.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز بیست و دوم ماه ژوئن سال2002میلادی
عنوان: خاطرات حوا؛ نویسنده: مارک تواین؛ مترجم: امیر آقا محمد حسنی؛ کرمان، کتابخانه، سال1381، در54ص؛ چاپ دوم سال1382؛ چاپ چهارم سال1384؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده امریکا - سده19م
طرح این داستان روایت اول شخص «حوا» از زمان آفرینش، تا زمان خاکسپاری ایشان توسط همسرش «آدم» است، از جمله دیدار و شناختن وی و کاوش در جهان پیرامون او «عدن»؛ داستان، پس از چهل سال، به آینده ی پس از سقوط، و اخراج از «عدن» میپرد؛ گذران زندگی «حوا» است، اما مهم‌تری� بخش آن لحظه� ی دیدار «آدم و حوا» در باغ «عدن» است؛ داستان از لحظه� آفرینش «حوا» آغاز می‌شو� که میگوید: حالا تقریباً یک روز سن دارم، انگار دیروز آمدم؛ او می‌بیند� حس می‌کن� و می‌آموزد� متوجه طلوع خورشید در روز و بیرون آمدن ماه در شب می‌شود� این پدیده آنقدر برای او ناگوار بود که حسرت آن را می‌خورد� و دوست نداشت لحظه� ای خورشید از آسمان ناپدید شود؛ با پیگیری تجربیاتش به این نتیجه می‌رس� که برای دیدن و کشف راستیها آفریده شده است؛ پس از گذشت چند روز، «آدم» را می‌بین�! نخست اندیشید که آن موجود یک خزنده است، اما پس از لحظه ای فهمید که آن مرد، همانند خودش است و می‌توان� با او کنار بیاید؛ دنبالش کرد و می‌خواس� با او ارتباط برقرار کند، و نهایتا توانست نزدیکش شود و حرف بزند؛ «حوا» به «آدم» در نام نهادن چیزهایی که می‌دیدن� یاری میکرد؛ در ادامه ...؛
نقل از متن: (اما دعا و آرزوی من این است که ما این راه زندگی را با هم به پایان بریم؛ آرزویم این است كه نمیریم مگر آنکه در قلب هر زن و شوهری که عاشق هم هستند جایی داشته باشیم تا آخر دنیا و عشق بنام من- حوا- خوانده شود.)؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 02/04/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ 29/01/1401هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
March 2, 2023
Review to follow.
Lovely. What an enchanting little story.
I also want to call attention to the almost unreal cover. I say I’m real because it’s just so breathtaking. I think I could stay with this cover for days.
So this is told from Eve’s viewpoint.
Eve and Adam are very different in the story than they are in other telling’s. Eve has a child like fragility here that is enchanting and you can’t help but love her.
On the contrary Adam comes off is rather cool and standoffish but I didn’t believe it for a minute.
What’s really beautiful is of course the writing. I am one who loves descriptive writing and the prose here Just gushed forth putting you into a trance.
The stars and the moon and the sun are their own characters.
I was deeply touched by the last line which meant he believed to be a tribute to his wife who had passed away.
The whole story is very moving and I have to also read Adams diary which I have not gotten around you yet.
Lovely. What an enchanting little story.
I also want to call attention to the almost unreal cover. I say I’m real because it’s just so breathtaking. I think I could stay with this cover for days.
So this is told from Eve’s viewpoint.
Eve and Adam are very different in the story than they are in other telling’s. Eve has a child like fragility here that is enchanting and you can’t help but love her.
On the contrary Adam comes off is rather cool and standoffish but I didn’t believe it for a minute.
What’s really beautiful is of course the writing. I am one who loves descriptive writing and the prose here Just gushed forth putting you into a trance.
The stars and the moon and the sun are their own characters.
I was deeply touched by the last line which meant he believed to be a tribute to his wife who had passed away.
The whole story is very moving and I have to also read Adams diary which I have not gotten around you yet.
September 11, 2019
My first Mark Twain
but a remarkably good one!
but a remarkably good one!
May 18, 2022
Spiritoso, caustico al punto giusto, illuminante, divertente. Twain offre una prospettiva tutta al femminile della Genesi e del rapporto con un uomo scostante, ai margini, nemmeno troppo intelligente. Un racconto visto da una prospettiva differente, narrato con arguzia e senza mai scadere nel banale. Vi si trovano i primi passi di Eva nel Paradiso, il continuo stupore, la gioia di vivere, ma anche un sentimento profondo, che si rafforza nel tempo e che, anche quando l'Eden è ormai proibito, mantiene tutta la propria dolcezza, un legame che, nella chiusa poetica, trova piena, sublime espressione. Da leggere assolutamente.
June 27, 2012
This was the expression on my face after I finished reading this story:
:/
Yeah, that's exactly it. And I so badly wanted to like it too! I mean, I love Mark Twain's wit. Just check out his author page. Nearly every quote is a golden nugget; except for maybe the anti-Jane-Austen rant!! Which brings me back to a point I want to make. Having read this book, I am not sure Mark Twain ever "understood" women, nor that he could distinguish one from a group of infantile children. Eve is filled with child-like wonder. She's fond of talking incessantly, and hugging all the animals. She is impulsive, irresponsible and irrational. The complete opposite of Adam who's rational, responsible and meditative. I'm sure Twain did this on purpose, but it bugs me. Dividing them so nicely into opposites creates a child and an adult. If he wrote this and portrayed them both as children I'm sure I would have liked it more. Half way through I ended up wishing for Lilith to show up and kick ass, and not be such a lamewad as Eve was. Too bad she didn't fit so nicely into Twain's duality of opposites. Which also bugs me too. Adam and Eve shouldn't be divided into opposites! They only discover duality (good/bad, right/wrong etc.) AFTER the fall! AFTER THE APPLE!
Darn you Mark Twain! Why are you so hard to love?? This is my second story by you and neither one even remotely impressed me. Perhaps your famous wit was wasted on fiction and would have been used better in a non-fiction book??
:/
Yeah, that's exactly it. And I so badly wanted to like it too! I mean, I love Mark Twain's wit. Just check out his author page. Nearly every quote is a golden nugget; except for maybe the anti-Jane-Austen rant!! Which brings me back to a point I want to make. Having read this book, I am not sure Mark Twain ever "understood" women, nor that he could distinguish one from a group of infantile children. Eve is filled with child-like wonder. She's fond of talking incessantly, and hugging all the animals. She is impulsive, irresponsible and irrational. The complete opposite of Adam who's rational, responsible and meditative. I'm sure Twain did this on purpose, but it bugs me. Dividing them so nicely into opposites creates a child and an adult. If he wrote this and portrayed them both as children I'm sure I would have liked it more. Half way through I ended up wishing for Lilith to show up and kick ass, and not be such a lamewad as Eve was. Too bad she didn't fit so nicely into Twain's duality of opposites. Which also bugs me too. Adam and Eve shouldn't be divided into opposites! They only discover duality (good/bad, right/wrong etc.) AFTER the fall! AFTER THE APPLE!
Darn you Mark Twain! Why are you so hard to love?? This is my second story by you and neither one even remotely impressed me. Perhaps your famous wit was wasted on fiction and would have been used better in a non-fiction book??
July 10, 2012
As an avid reader and great fan of Mark Twain, I initially chose to read Eve's Diary expecting the traditional satirical wit. My interest was further piqued when I discovered the book had been banned in 1906. It wasn't until after I finished reading that I discovered the primary reason for its ban was the nude illustrations of Eve, not the content. Although I can imagine many were outraged at Eve's often flippant persona, I found it to be quite amusing at the beginning. After the first few pages, however, the tone shifts from lighthearted to more contemplative and melancholic as Eve reflects on her surroundings, the animals, and especially, Adam. Having known that Twain had already lost his wife when this book was written helps in understanding the last few lines:
"But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me - life without him would not be life; how could I endure it?"
This book is not so much a satire on the first woman, but a tribute to his wife.
"But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me - life without him would not be life; how could I endure it?"
This book is not so much a satire on the first woman, but a tribute to his wife.
January 1, 2023
Eve's Diary, "Translated from the Original" in 1905, is described as a comic short story, but the humour is of the serious type. There is some humour in the setting, as we meet Eve in Eden, who is "almost a whole day old, now." Yet as Eve ponders the world around her, and wonders about the meaning of life and her place in it, we encounter serious persistent questions about our own place in the universe.
Apparently there are also , but those I have not read. Because today is December 31, I called this one "New Years Eve's Diary" � unfortunately there is no such opportune date to read Adam's Diary.
Besides, Eve considers Adam to be not that bright, although she would never let on that she found him a bit slow and inarticulate. One can only conclude that these extracts from Eve's Diary are much more insightful and entertaining.
Apparently there are also , but those I have not read. Because today is December 31, I called this one "New Years Eve's Diary" � unfortunately there is no such opportune date to read Adam's Diary.
Besides, Eve considers Adam to be not that bright, although she would never let on that she found him a bit slow and inarticulate. One can only conclude that these extracts from Eve's Diary are much more insightful and entertaining.
December 27, 2018
B.R.A.CE. 2018 4 βιβλία με όνομα στον τίτλο
(4/4)
Απολαυστικό, χιουμοριστικό και με νόημα!
Αφιερώστε 40 λεπτά να το ακούσετε!
Απολαυστικό, χιουμοριστικό και με νόημα!
Αφιερώστε 40 λεπτά να το ακούσετε!
June 8, 2021
A brute, blue-eyed Adam meets Eve, scientist and verbally proficient.
September 23, 2020
Typical Mark Twain...terribly irreverent but you can't help laughing! 😂
February 7, 2017
The book ends with this quotes by Adam "Wherever she is, there is Eden".
A very short book that got over before I could make sense of the objective. As a fan of Mark Twain's witty quotes, decided to start with this book on Librivox. And finished it in less than an hour.
Eve's perspective in the first few days of creation was better off before she met Adam. Her curiosity and penchant for naming new things, her fascination for colours, her joyful lens of the world view were refreshing. However after meeting Adam, it was more stereotypical - on why he doesn't seem to be doing much, on her fight and her thoughts on why she loves him.
Quick read but not too impressive.
A very short book that got over before I could make sense of the objective. As a fan of Mark Twain's witty quotes, decided to start with this book on Librivox. And finished it in less than an hour.
Eve's perspective in the first few days of creation was better off before she met Adam. Her curiosity and penchant for naming new things, her fascination for colours, her joyful lens of the world view were refreshing. However after meeting Adam, it was more stereotypical - on why he doesn't seem to be doing much, on her fight and her thoughts on why she loves him.
Quick read but not too impressive.
August 22, 2017
Minuscolo libricino con una figura di Eva "riscattata", che, bisogna darle atto, per essere stata scritta nel 1905 merita tanto di cappello.
Che poi.. tutto sommato questo chimerico Eden, con la sua aura di perfezione ed immobilità, a lungo andare era pure noioso!
Così ne scaturisce un inno all'insaziabile ricerca umana della conoscenza, che nessun mitologico monito divino poté fermare, nè davanti alle colonne d'Ercole, nè tantomeno con un frutto proibito:
"Ci sono cose che è impossibile scoprire: ma è impossibile scoprirlo basandosi su teorie e congetture; no, si deve aver pazienza, si deve continuare a provare fino a scoprire che è impossibile scoprire. Ed è bellissimo che sia così, in questo modo il mondo è così affascinante. Se non ci fosse nulla da scoprire, sarebbe noioso.
Anche cercare di scoprire e non scoprire è interessante quanto cercare di scoprire e scoprire".
Che poi.. tutto sommato questo chimerico Eden, con la sua aura di perfezione ed immobilità, a lungo andare era pure noioso!
Così ne scaturisce un inno all'insaziabile ricerca umana della conoscenza, che nessun mitologico monito divino poté fermare, nè davanti alle colonne d'Ercole, nè tantomeno con un frutto proibito:
"Ci sono cose che è impossibile scoprire: ma è impossibile scoprirlo basandosi su teorie e congetture; no, si deve aver pazienza, si deve continuare a provare fino a scoprire che è impossibile scoprire. Ed è bellissimo che sia così, in questo modo il mondo è così affascinante. Se non ci fosse nulla da scoprire, sarebbe noioso.
Anche cercare di scoprire e non scoprire è interessante quanto cercare di scoprire e scoprire".
August 29, 2011
For people who have limited time for reading and whose favorite line is “So many books, so little time�, this book is for you. It is just a few pages and you could finish it in one sitting.
I found this book in the section “Banned Books� at manybooks.net and I have no idea why such an excellent book could be banned. After reading this book I was like: Wow! This is something. Well, duh � It’s written by Mark Twain, no wonder it has the bearings of a classic.
This book can be summed up into one word: fascinating. The ending will leave you hanging� but that actually is a good thing. It will make you think� or in other words, it is thought provoking as my journalism teacher would say. Well, obviously that is another good thing if you believe that a book should not be the one that will think for you but instead the one that will make you think.
Happy reading! (in case you decide to read this book)
I found this book in the section “Banned Books� at manybooks.net and I have no idea why such an excellent book could be banned. After reading this book I was like: Wow! This is something. Well, duh � It’s written by Mark Twain, no wonder it has the bearings of a classic.
This book can be summed up into one word: fascinating. The ending will leave you hanging� but that actually is a good thing. It will make you think� or in other words, it is thought provoking as my journalism teacher would say. Well, obviously that is another good thing if you believe that a book should not be the one that will think for you but instead the one that will make you think.
Happy reading! (in case you decide to read this book)
April 18, 2025
Entertaining relationship listening 🎉🎇
This kindle ebook novella is free from Amazon
An interesting story about a young girl/woman.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers looking for the story of the life 😯 of a baby/girl/ woman/wife/death 😉😊 2025 😕👀
I picked this book because it is free from Amazon. It turned out to be surprisingly good. Happy reading and have fun 😄🌃
This kindle ebook novella is free from Amazon
An interesting story about a young girl/woman.
I would recommend this novella and author to readers looking for the story of the life 😯 of a baby/girl/ woman/wife/death 😉😊 2025 😕👀
I picked this book because it is free from Amazon. It turned out to be surprisingly good. Happy reading and have fun 😄🌃
October 13, 2012
I've never actually been able to sit and read one of Mark Twain's books before. I've been forced to in school but my mind always wonders away from what is being read. I, however, really liked this story. It was short (thank god) and made me laugh outloud a few times.
The way that he was able to seperate man and woman just made me smile. Eve was and still is the stereotype of a woman. She is always talking -- because she "is so interesting... and when [she] talks aloud [she] is even more interesting"--, looking at her reflection, loving cute animals, and pretty things while Adam was the stereotype of men. Working, somewhat heartless, more focused on production than decor. Not saying all of this is true about either genders but it has been said. The story was also romanitc ending in a way that had me grinning for... until I picked up another book and got wrapped up in those adventures. So a good 20 minutes.
Over all I actually did like this story more than I expected too and I would recomend it for someone to at least read one time. My version only had 22 pages. It was pretty short and would take merely an hour at most (depending on how fast you're able to read).
The way that he was able to seperate man and woman just made me smile. Eve was and still is the stereotype of a woman. She is always talking -- because she "is so interesting... and when [she] talks aloud [she] is even more interesting"--, looking at her reflection, loving cute animals, and pretty things while Adam was the stereotype of men. Working, somewhat heartless, more focused on production than decor. Not saying all of this is true about either genders but it has been said. The story was also romanitc ending in a way that had me grinning for... until I picked up another book and got wrapped up in those adventures. So a good 20 minutes.
Over all I actually did like this story more than I expected too and I would recomend it for someone to at least read one time. My version only had 22 pages. It was pretty short and would take merely an hour at most (depending on how fast you're able to read).
August 4, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen, a re-read! This is one of those books I won't tire of reading.
This is my favourite passage in the book, simply because I am a girl and we girls can go on and on about the men that we love. ;-)
After The Fall
"The Garden is lost, but I have found HIM, and am content. He loves me as well as he can; I love him with all the strength of my passionate
nature, and this, I think, is proper to my youth and sex.
If I ask myself why I love him, I find I do not know, and do not really much care to know; so I suppose that this kind of love is not a product of reasoning and statistics, like one's love for other reptiles and animals. I think that this must be so. I love certain birds because of their song; but I do not love Adam on account of his singing--no, it is
not that; the more he sings the more I do not get reconciled to it. Yet I ask him to sing, because I wish to learn to like everything he is interested in. I am sure I can learn, because at first I could not stand it, but now I can. It sours the milk, but it doesn't matter; I can get used to that kind of milk.
It is not on account of his brightness that I love him--no, it is not that. He is not to blame for his brightness, such as it is, for he did not make it himself; he is as God make him, and that is sufficient. There was a wise purpose in it, THAT I know. In time it will develop,
though I think it will not be sudden; and besides, there is no hurry; he is well enough just as he is.
It is not on account of his gracious and considerate ways and his delicacy that I love him. No, he has lacks in this regard, but he is well enough just so, and is improving.
It is not on account of his industry that I love him--no, it is not that. I think he has it in him, and I do not know why he conceals it from me. It is my only pain. Otherwise he is frank and open with me, now. I am sure he keeps nothing from me but this. It grieves me that he should have a secret from me, and sometimes it spoils my sleep, thinking of it, but I will put it out of my mind; it shall not trouble my happiness, which is otherwise full to overflowing.
It is not on account of his education that I love him--no, it is not that. He is self-educated, and does really know a multitude of things, but they are not so.
It is not on account of his chivalry that I love him--no, it is not that. He told on me, but I do not blame him; it is a peculiarity of sex,I think, and he did not make his sex.Of course I would not have told on him, I would have perished first; but that is a peculiarity of sex, too, and I do not take credit for it, for I did not make my sex.
Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I think.
At bottom he is good, and I love him for that, but I could love him without it. If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving him. I know it. It is a matter of sex, I think. [Disclaimer, Tatuu wouldn't love a man who beats or abuses her but I have known of women who love men who mistreat them. I do not understand why this is so. Isn't it natural to dislike something that causes you pain?].
He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; I think, and he did not make his sex. Of course I would not have told on him, I would have perished first; but that is a peculiarity of sex, too, and I do not take credit for it, for I did not make my sex.
Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I
think.
At bottom he is good, and I love him for that, but I could love him
without it. If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving
him. I know it. It is a matter of sex, I think.
He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; and I would work for him, and slave over him, and pray for him, and watch by his bedside until I died.
Yes, I think I love him merely because he is MINE and is MASCULINE. There is no other reason, I suppose. And so I think it is as I first said: that this kind of love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just COMES--none knows whence--and cannot explain itself. And doesn't need to. It is what I think. But I am only a girl, the first that has examined this matter, and it may turn out that in my ignorance and inexperience I have not got it right."- EVE
This is my favourite passage in the book, simply because I am a girl and we girls can go on and on about the men that we love. ;-)
After The Fall
"The Garden is lost, but I have found HIM, and am content. He loves me as well as he can; I love him with all the strength of my passionate
nature, and this, I think, is proper to my youth and sex.
If I ask myself why I love him, I find I do not know, and do not really much care to know; so I suppose that this kind of love is not a product of reasoning and statistics, like one's love for other reptiles and animals. I think that this must be so. I love certain birds because of their song; but I do not love Adam on account of his singing--no, it is
not that; the more he sings the more I do not get reconciled to it. Yet I ask him to sing, because I wish to learn to like everything he is interested in. I am sure I can learn, because at first I could not stand it, but now I can. It sours the milk, but it doesn't matter; I can get used to that kind of milk.
It is not on account of his brightness that I love him--no, it is not that. He is not to blame for his brightness, such as it is, for he did not make it himself; he is as God make him, and that is sufficient. There was a wise purpose in it, THAT I know. In time it will develop,
though I think it will not be sudden; and besides, there is no hurry; he is well enough just as he is.
It is not on account of his gracious and considerate ways and his delicacy that I love him. No, he has lacks in this regard, but he is well enough just so, and is improving.
It is not on account of his industry that I love him--no, it is not that. I think he has it in him, and I do not know why he conceals it from me. It is my only pain. Otherwise he is frank and open with me, now. I am sure he keeps nothing from me but this. It grieves me that he should have a secret from me, and sometimes it spoils my sleep, thinking of it, but I will put it out of my mind; it shall not trouble my happiness, which is otherwise full to overflowing.
It is not on account of his education that I love him--no, it is not that. He is self-educated, and does really know a multitude of things, but they are not so.
It is not on account of his chivalry that I love him--no, it is not that. He told on me, but I do not blame him; it is a peculiarity of sex,I think, and he did not make his sex.Of course I would not have told on him, I would have perished first; but that is a peculiarity of sex, too, and I do not take credit for it, for I did not make my sex.
Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I think.
At bottom he is good, and I love him for that, but I could love him without it. If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving him. I know it. It is a matter of sex, I think. [Disclaimer, Tatuu wouldn't love a man who beats or abuses her but I have known of women who love men who mistreat them. I do not understand why this is so. Isn't it natural to dislike something that causes you pain?].
He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; I think, and he did not make his sex. Of course I would not have told on him, I would have perished first; but that is a peculiarity of sex, too, and I do not take credit for it, for I did not make my sex.
Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I
think.
At bottom he is good, and I love him for that, but I could love him
without it. If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving
him. I know it. It is a matter of sex, I think.
He is strong and handsome, and I love him for that, and I admire him and am proud of him, but I could love him without those qualities. If he were plain, I should love him; if he were a wreck, I should love him; and I would work for him, and slave over him, and pray for him, and watch by his bedside until I died.
Yes, I think I love him merely because he is MINE and is MASCULINE. There is no other reason, I suppose. And so I think it is as I first said: that this kind of love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just COMES--none knows whence--and cannot explain itself. And doesn't need to. It is what I think. But I am only a girl, the first that has examined this matter, and it may turn out that in my ignorance and inexperience I have not got it right."- EVE
January 22, 2021
Why did God make man first? Because he knew he could do better!! Excerpts that made me chuckle -
"I followed the other Experiment around, yesterday afternoon, at a distance, to see what it might be for, if I could. But I was not able to make out. I think it is a man. I had never seen a man, but it looked like one, and I feel sure that that is what it is. I realize that I feel more curiosity about it than about any of the other reptiles. If it is a reptile, and I suppose it is; for it has frowzy hair and blue eyes, and looks like a reptile. It has no hips; it tapers like a carrot; when it stands, it spreads itself apart like a derrick; so I think it is a reptile, though it may be architecture.
He can't think of a rational name to save him, but I do not let him see that I am aware of his defect. Whenever a new creature comes along I name it before he has time to expose himself by an awkward silence. In this way I have saved him many embarrassments. I have no defect like this.
He talks very little. Perhaps it is because he is not bright, and is sensitive about it and wishes to conceal it."
This was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and I would not have thought that Mark Twain wrote it. It is read as if Eve wrote in her diary. It has daily entries that spans a few days, then weeks, an excerpt of Adam's diary, and then after the fall, 40 years later, and at death. I was mesmerized.
For Eve, "the core and center of my nature is love of the beautiful, a passion for the beautiful." She loved all and named all. The names just came to her.
And my favorite line that sums it up, "At first I couldn't make out what I was made for, but now I think it was to search out the secrets of this wonderful world and be happy and thank the Giver of it all for devising it."
"I followed the other Experiment around, yesterday afternoon, at a distance, to see what it might be for, if I could. But I was not able to make out. I think it is a man. I had never seen a man, but it looked like one, and I feel sure that that is what it is. I realize that I feel more curiosity about it than about any of the other reptiles. If it is a reptile, and I suppose it is; for it has frowzy hair and blue eyes, and looks like a reptile. It has no hips; it tapers like a carrot; when it stands, it spreads itself apart like a derrick; so I think it is a reptile, though it may be architecture.
He can't think of a rational name to save him, but I do not let him see that I am aware of his defect. Whenever a new creature comes along I name it before he has time to expose himself by an awkward silence. In this way I have saved him many embarrassments. I have no defect like this.
He talks very little. Perhaps it is because he is not bright, and is sensitive about it and wishes to conceal it."
This was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and I would not have thought that Mark Twain wrote it. It is read as if Eve wrote in her diary. It has daily entries that spans a few days, then weeks, an excerpt of Adam's diary, and then after the fall, 40 years later, and at death. I was mesmerized.
For Eve, "the core and center of my nature is love of the beautiful, a passion for the beautiful." She loved all and named all. The names just came to her.
And my favorite line that sums it up, "At first I couldn't make out what I was made for, but now I think it was to search out the secrets of this wonderful world and be happy and thank the Giver of it all for devising it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2013
“Il diario di Eva� è un raccontino breve breve in cui Mark Twain spicca per l’originalità con la quale racconta la storia più vecchia del mondo: la nascita del primo uomo e della prima donna. Il tutto visto dalla prospettiva dei due sotto forma diaristica. Eva inizia a raccontare dei suoi primi giorni sulla terra parlando di se stessa come un esperimento, e crede che anche il resto ne sia parte. Entusiasta, sempre curiosa, desiderosa di confrontarsi, Eva è una creatura semplice, felice per la presenza delle stelle e capace di passare di cambiare velocemente umore per un nonnulla, tutto le provoca stupore, dolore, poi pace con se stessa. Adamo, invece, è un essere un po� sfuggevole, più pratico, poco intelligente, musone e insensibile. Eva non capirà mai perché se ne innamora, lo ama, ed è tutto ciò che sa. E� suo, della donna, il ruolo di far venire al mondo il mondo stesso dando i nomi, facendo le scoperte, quasi inventando il fuoco. Appartiene a lei comprendere la sostanza di ciò che la circonda, apprezzarla, sentirsi in armonia con gli animali e gli elementi della natura.
Una satira divertentissima, di una dolcezza inequiparabile, in cui tutto è scoperta, in cui tutto è novità; un interessantissimo confronto tra l’ottusità dell’uomo e la freschezza della donna. Twain ha dato una nuova dignità all’immagine della donna che mangia il frutto proibito; e ad Adamo, in finis, mancherà più Eva che il proprio, malvagio, Dio.
“Ovunque lei sia stata quello era l’Eden.�
Una satira divertentissima, di una dolcezza inequiparabile, in cui tutto è scoperta, in cui tutto è novità; un interessantissimo confronto tra l’ottusità dell’uomo e la freschezza della donna. Twain ha dato una nuova dignità all’immagine della donna che mangia il frutto proibito; e ad Adamo, in finis, mancherà più Eva che il proprio, malvagio, Dio.
“Ovunque lei sia stata quello era l’Eden.�
November 15, 2015
I wanted a short book last night because I was bored with my other books and thought it would help me get through my reading challenge a bit easier. At first I thought, okay, this is a bit weird but also kind of funny, I can see how people would have liked it when it was first published.
Then Eve said, "If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving him. I know it." And my mild liking turned into angry feminist loathing.
Other highlights included: "Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I think." And: "But I am only a girl..." Really, Eve? You are actually the first woman in existence and you are already disempowering yourself? Like, I know there's no smidgen of this that is supposed to be realistic, but REALLY.
Gotta love when female characters are written by men!
Then Eve said, "If he should beat me and abuse me, I should go on loving him. I know it." And my mild liking turned into angry feminist loathing.
Other highlights included: "Then why is it that I love him? MERELY BECAUSE HE IS MASCULINE, I think." And: "But I am only a girl..." Really, Eve? You are actually the first woman in existence and you are already disempowering yourself? Like, I know there's no smidgen of this that is supposed to be realistic, but REALLY.
Gotta love when female characters are written by men!
January 5, 2022
Il Mark Twain che non ti aspetti!
Ironico, poetico, brillante e molto romantico.
Un testo da leggere per San Valentino o da regalare ad una coppia di sposi
Ironico, poetico, brillante e molto romantico.
Un testo da leggere per San Valentino o da regalare ad una coppia di sposi
March 20, 2012
This begins in a somewhat light hearted manner than what you'd expect, and is indeed quite funny, but ends with one of the most powerfully affecting love meditations ever. It is written in the style of a diary kept by the first woman in the Judeao-Christian creation myth; Eve.
This one, being from the female perspective, is a little more introspective and emotional, but nonetheless still humorous when comparing how the two genders completely misinterpret each others actions and can witness the same event and come up with two different versions of what happened. Yet despite these seemingly irreconcilable differences, the two still come to love and depend on each other.
It's a classic story; both humorous and thought-provoking, it recreates the famous scene with surprising plausibility and is very enjoyable.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @:
Book Details:
Title Eve's Diary
Author Mark Twain
Reviewed By Purplycookie
This one, being from the female perspective, is a little more introspective and emotional, but nonetheless still humorous when comparing how the two genders completely misinterpret each others actions and can witness the same event and come up with two different versions of what happened. Yet despite these seemingly irreconcilable differences, the two still come to love and depend on each other.
It's a classic story; both humorous and thought-provoking, it recreates the famous scene with surprising plausibility and is very enjoyable.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @:
Book Details:
Title Eve's Diary
Author Mark Twain
Reviewed By Purplycookie
July 21, 2016
Cried. Thankful I read Adam's story first ; it's a great deal funnier, and Twain nails down male arrogance and aloofness. Then I discovered "Eve's Diary" was published 6 months after his wife died. It all makes sense. Twain captures a woman's loneliness and loving heart. He clearly placed his wife on a pedestal far above his own, though history celebrates only its public contributors.
But did he realize she was lonely all throughout their life together, and not care? Did he regret cherishing time together only after she was gone?
:(
But did he realize she was lonely all throughout their life together, and not care? Did he regret cherishing time together only after she was gone?
:(
October 21, 2016
Eve was so obsessed with Adam, and the stars!
She was extremely in love with the stars from the first two pages of the book and the last few ones, that was so interesting!
“By watching, I know that the stars are not going to last. I have seen some of the best ones melt and run down the sky. Since one can melt, they can all melt; since they can all melt, they can all melt the same night. That sorrow will come—I know it.�
She was extremely in love with the stars from the first two pages of the book and the last few ones, that was so interesting!
“By watching, I know that the stars are not going to last. I have seen some of the best ones melt and run down the sky. Since one can melt, they can all melt; since they can all melt, they can all melt the same night. That sorrow will come—I know it.�
March 27, 2016
A short book which I listened to from Librivox. It was not humor laced as I expected it to be nor was it poignant. It was just some ramblings from the first woman. I remember laughing out loud over Adams Diary and expected the same but .........
The sentimentalist in me simply loved the last line by Adam " Wherever she was, there was Eden".
The sentimentalist in me simply loved the last line by Adam " Wherever she was, there was Eden".
February 24, 2017
The parts before she met Adam were best. Less than 40 minutes on livrivox.
December 16, 2018
في محاولة للنوم � واعطاء فرصة أخرى للكتب المقروءة � بدأت البارحة بالاستماع لقصة قصيرة بعنوان "يوميات حواء" أو Eve's Diary للكاتب الأميركي الساخر مارك توين. كان الكتاب قصيرًا وقد نجحت التجربة هذه المرة.
في البداية، نلاحظ تساؤلات حواء في يومها الأول � بعد الخليقة � فيما اذا كانت عبارة عن تجربة، ومجرد تجربة لأحدهم، كما تساءلت عن البارحة وما حصل فيه وان كان هناك يوم البارحة حقا. في القصة، نقرأ تأملات حواء للكون واعتباره غير مثالي واعجابها بالقمر وتمنيها وجود المزيد منه وحلمها بتزيين شعرها بالنجوم. تتساءل حواء عن الزواحف الكثيرة وتعتبرها غير لطيفة وغير مهذبة وتعامل الكائنات الأخرى بوحشية ولا تأبه لجمال البيئة المحيطة بها، ولهذا لن تتردد في وصف النجوم بأنها ملكها، لأن بقية الكائنات لا تهتم بذلك. ربما تكون هذه اشارة الى أن الانسان اعتبر العالم ملكا له منذ البداية � مع ان قصص التطور تثبت انه طوّر هذه الفكرة بالتدريج وهذا ما اقرأه حاليا في كتاب يوفال نوح حراري.
عند رؤيتها لآدم، وقبل ان تقترب منه، تساءلت حواء ان كان من الزواحف أيضا. تكتب حواء عن حبها للكلام والحديث وانها تحب التحدث في اليقظة والمنام، وعندما تكتشف بأن آدم يتحدث أيضا يزداد اهتمامها به، وتدرك بأنه يختلف عن باقي الحيوانات. تبدأ حواء بتعليم آدم اسماء الحيوانات والتفريق بينها، لكنها تحاول تعليمه من دون ان تجرح كبرياءه. يشير توين في اكثر من موضع إلى تفوق حواء المعرفي ومراعاتها لمشاعر آدم في عدم توضيح ذلك له.
في القصة، يمرّ موضوع التفاحة المحرمة بسهولة، بل ويشير توين الى ان حواء لا تأكل سوى التفاح. تعتبر حواء آدم "شقيقتها" وتشعر بالحب تجاهها والوحدة في الأيام التي لا تقابلها فيها. تعتقد حواء انها تشاطر آدم مشاعر مختلفة "الحب" وتشعر بالأسى لأنه لا يبدي اهتماما باسمها، فيما كانت ستسعد بمعرفة اسمه. تبدو قصة توليد حواء للنار طريفة، وكيف انها تكتشف الأشياء تباعا وتطلق عليها اسماءً "نار، دخان، لهيب، حريق". لكنها تعبر عن مشكلة آدم في عدم اهتمامه بأي شيء وانه يريد للأشياء أن تكون مفيدة، فيما يكفيها ان تكون جميلة فحسب. قالت بأن النار ستكون مفيدة يوما ما.
من جانبه، يتحدث آدم عن انطباعاته عن حواء التي تبهرها الألوان والأزهار وغروب الشمس � فيما يسمي هو الأزهار نفايات � ويتعجب لأن هذه الأشياء غير المفيدة تفقد حواء عقلها. يتحدث عن فضولها وتعاملها مع كل شيء برقة ومجازفتها بتدجين الحيوانات وخوفه ممّا تقدم عليه وأن لا شيء يرضيها أبدا. ربما تمثل هذه المونولوجات افكار نمطية للرجل والمرأة عن الجنس الآخر.
تستاء حواء من عدم ترحيب آدم بها، وتقول بأن "الوحدة أفضل من أن تشعر بعدم الترحيب". يشير توين الى اعتقاد حواء بأن للحيوانات لغات ولكنها لا تجيدها، وملاحظتها بأن الفيلة والكلاب تفهم عليها وهذا ما يشعرها بالخجل وانها اقل ذكاءً. ترى حواء بأن كل شيء سيصبح معروفا يوما ما، ومع المعرفة تزول الدهشة. تلاحظ حواء عدم ظهور كل النجوم في كل ليلة وتعتقد ان بعضها تختفي وانه اذا ما اختفت بعضها فيمكن ان تختفي الأخرى وسيأتي يوم تختفي فيه كل النجوم.
تتساءل حواء عن الحب ومعناه، وهل هي تحب آدم لانه بعضلات ولأنه وسيم، ولكنها تحبه من دون ذلك حتى، وفي النهاية تقول: الحب لا ينتج عن العقل والاحصاءات، انه يأتي فحسب � لا أحد يعرف من أين � ولا يمكنه تفسير ذاته. Love is not a product of reasoning and statistics. It just comes-none knows whence-and cannot explain itself.�
في النهاية، تتمنى حواء أن ترحل قبل آدم لانه قوي ولا يحتاج إليها، وتتمنى أن يبقى الحب في قلب كل امرأة. اما آدم فيقول في الخاتمة، "حيثما وجدت، تكون جنة عدن". أو Wherever she is, there is Eden.
عند القراءة عن الكتاب، الذي تم منعه عام 1906، عرفت بأنه توين قد كتبه بعد وفاة زوجته وقد يفسر ذلك كل شيء. انها قصة لطيفة وجديرة بالاطلاع.
#كلكامشنبيل
في البداية، نلاحظ تساؤلات حواء في يومها الأول � بعد الخليقة � فيما اذا كانت عبارة عن تجربة، ومجرد تجربة لأحدهم، كما تساءلت عن البارحة وما حصل فيه وان كان هناك يوم البارحة حقا. في القصة، نقرأ تأملات حواء للكون واعتباره غير مثالي واعجابها بالقمر وتمنيها وجود المزيد منه وحلمها بتزيين شعرها بالنجوم. تتساءل حواء عن الزواحف الكثيرة وتعتبرها غير لطيفة وغير مهذبة وتعامل الكائنات الأخرى بوحشية ولا تأبه لجمال البيئة المحيطة بها، ولهذا لن تتردد في وصف النجوم بأنها ملكها، لأن بقية الكائنات لا تهتم بذلك. ربما تكون هذه اشارة الى أن الانسان اعتبر العالم ملكا له منذ البداية � مع ان قصص التطور تثبت انه طوّر هذه الفكرة بالتدريج وهذا ما اقرأه حاليا في كتاب يوفال نوح حراري.
عند رؤيتها لآدم، وقبل ان تقترب منه، تساءلت حواء ان كان من الزواحف أيضا. تكتب حواء عن حبها للكلام والحديث وانها تحب التحدث في اليقظة والمنام، وعندما تكتشف بأن آدم يتحدث أيضا يزداد اهتمامها به، وتدرك بأنه يختلف عن باقي الحيوانات. تبدأ حواء بتعليم آدم اسماء الحيوانات والتفريق بينها، لكنها تحاول تعليمه من دون ان تجرح كبرياءه. يشير توين في اكثر من موضع إلى تفوق حواء المعرفي ومراعاتها لمشاعر آدم في عدم توضيح ذلك له.
في القصة، يمرّ موضوع التفاحة المحرمة بسهولة، بل ويشير توين الى ان حواء لا تأكل سوى التفاح. تعتبر حواء آدم "شقيقتها" وتشعر بالحب تجاهها والوحدة في الأيام التي لا تقابلها فيها. تعتقد حواء انها تشاطر آدم مشاعر مختلفة "الحب" وتشعر بالأسى لأنه لا يبدي اهتماما باسمها، فيما كانت ستسعد بمعرفة اسمه. تبدو قصة توليد حواء للنار طريفة، وكيف انها تكتشف الأشياء تباعا وتطلق عليها اسماءً "نار، دخان، لهيب، حريق". لكنها تعبر عن مشكلة آدم في عدم اهتمامه بأي شيء وانه يريد للأشياء أن تكون مفيدة، فيما يكفيها ان تكون جميلة فحسب. قالت بأن النار ستكون مفيدة يوما ما.
من جانبه، يتحدث آدم عن انطباعاته عن حواء التي تبهرها الألوان والأزهار وغروب الشمس � فيما يسمي هو الأزهار نفايات � ويتعجب لأن هذه الأشياء غير المفيدة تفقد حواء عقلها. يتحدث عن فضولها وتعاملها مع كل شيء برقة ومجازفتها بتدجين الحيوانات وخوفه ممّا تقدم عليه وأن لا شيء يرضيها أبدا. ربما تمثل هذه المونولوجات افكار نمطية للرجل والمرأة عن الجنس الآخر.
تستاء حواء من عدم ترحيب آدم بها، وتقول بأن "الوحدة أفضل من أن تشعر بعدم الترحيب". يشير توين الى اعتقاد حواء بأن للحيوانات لغات ولكنها لا تجيدها، وملاحظتها بأن الفيلة والكلاب تفهم عليها وهذا ما يشعرها بالخجل وانها اقل ذكاءً. ترى حواء بأن كل شيء سيصبح معروفا يوما ما، ومع المعرفة تزول الدهشة. تلاحظ حواء عدم ظهور كل النجوم في كل ليلة وتعتقد ان بعضها تختفي وانه اذا ما اختفت بعضها فيمكن ان تختفي الأخرى وسيأتي يوم تختفي فيه كل النجوم.
تتساءل حواء عن الحب ومعناه، وهل هي تحب آدم لانه بعضلات ولأنه وسيم، ولكنها تحبه من دون ذلك حتى، وفي النهاية تقول: الحب لا ينتج عن العقل والاحصاءات، انه يأتي فحسب � لا أحد يعرف من أين � ولا يمكنه تفسير ذاته. Love is not a product of reasoning and statistics. It just comes-none knows whence-and cannot explain itself.�
في النهاية، تتمنى حواء أن ترحل قبل آدم لانه قوي ولا يحتاج إليها، وتتمنى أن يبقى الحب في قلب كل امرأة. اما آدم فيقول في الخاتمة، "حيثما وجدت، تكون جنة عدن". أو Wherever she is, there is Eden.
عند القراءة عن الكتاب، الذي تم منعه عام 1906، عرفت بأنه توين قد كتبه بعد وفاة زوجته وقد يفسر ذلك كل شيء. انها قصة لطيفة وجديرة بالاطلاع.
#كلكامشنبيل
November 23, 2018
Un libro molto carino che da un insolito punto di vista racconta la storia d'amore più vecchia di tutte... la prima!
May 4, 2020
Il finale che meglio ricordi fra quelli che trattano d'amore.
April 28, 2023
what a story.
best 37 minutes of my life.
[first time I've ever finished audiobook]
best 37 minutes of my life.
[first time I've ever finished audiobook]
July 19, 2019
Just how beautifully is this written:
But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for
he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me
--life without him would not be life; how could I endure it? This prayer
is also immortal, and will not cease from being offered up while my race
continues. I am the first wife; and in the last wife I shall be
repeated.
But if one of us must go first, it is my prayer that it shall be I; for
he is strong, I am weak, I am not so necessary to him as he is to me
--life without him would not be life; how could I endure it? This prayer
is also immortal, and will not cease from being offered up while my race
continues. I am the first wife; and in the last wife I shall be
repeated.
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