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The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to Devil
An extraordinary story of how God created the universe according to the devil.
A unique example of literary archaeology by Bedrettin Simsek, which can only be compared to the Gospel of Judas. A different, ironic take on the world's oldest story, which tells us about the secret life of the devil in a satirical tone.
A novel that recreates the stylized, unmistakable tone of the Gnostics, adorned with metaphors, presenting the richness of images in an economical language. Not only does it have deep meanings, but it can also be funny.
The story of Adam and Eve has been told countless times by different authors. It was all like a repetition of what was said in the holy books. But this time the roles are changed, the role of Jesus is taken by the devil, who imitates his style, speaks just like him, performs miracles, but somehow cannot be crucified.
Like Judas Iscariot, who wanted to regain his reputation in the newly discovered Gospel of Judas, the Devil, who is always accused but never allowed to defend himself, presents us with his own Bible in this work. He tells us the truth from his own perspective and shows the courage to go against God and say, "No, that's not what happened, this is what happened".
In this way, while it becomes clear after centuries why God placed a prohibition and why this prohibition was violated, the devil himself answers the questions left unanswered by the holy books and the prophets.
For those who miss true literature of intellectual value.
A unique example of literary archaeology by Bedrettin Simsek, which can only be compared to the Gospel of Judas. A different, ironic take on the world's oldest story, which tells us about the secret life of the devil in a satirical tone.
A novel that recreates the stylized, unmistakable tone of the Gnostics, adorned with metaphors, presenting the richness of images in an economical language. Not only does it have deep meanings, but it can also be funny.
The story of Adam and Eve has been told countless times by different authors. It was all like a repetition of what was said in the holy books. But this time the roles are changed, the role of Jesus is taken by the devil, who imitates his style, speaks just like him, performs miracles, but somehow cannot be crucified.
Like Judas Iscariot, who wanted to regain his reputation in the newly discovered Gospel of Judas, the Devil, who is always accused but never allowed to defend himself, presents us with his own Bible in this work. He tells us the truth from his own perspective and shows the courage to go against God and say, "No, that's not what happened, this is what happened".
In this way, while it becomes clear after centuries why God placed a prohibition and why this prohibition was violated, the devil himself answers the questions left unanswered by the holy books and the prophets.
For those who miss true literature of intellectual value.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2020
13 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Bedrettin Simsek
63 books8 followersBedrettin Simsek was a promising writer when his first two books were published by major Turkish publishers in 1996 and 1997. His combination of philosophy, humor, and literature set him apart from other writers, and he stood out for his skeptical attitude toward religion. When his third book, "The Discussions of an Atheist and a Clergyman" was published in 1998 by one of Turkey's leading publishers, he was sued over readers' complaints and both he and the publisher were sentenced to prison terms for insulting religious values. This sentence was suspended on the condition that he would not commit the same offense again and was noted in his record. His conviction made Bedrettin a criminal forever. All publishing houses closed their doors to him; he was excluded from the literary world. His later works were always rejected by publishers, some for fear of punishment, others for fear of reader reaction.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 8, 2022
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil by Bedrettin Simsek is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
I found this a refreshing and fun satire on the Gnostic books. This is the Devil's version of creation and Adam and Eve.
It is a bit long winded in a few places but the verbiage is spot on!
Here is a section where Adam is being introduced to Eve but the devil gave Eve a mirror to hold.
"The look on Adam's face wasn't very promising either. Because he resented the fact that Eve looked in the mirror before looking at him.
"Will she always keep me waiting like this? Will she always be late?" he asked with discontent.""
I think men are still asking that question!
It's sprinkled with dry humor and plenty of wit throughout the book. I found it quite clever! It's a short but good read!
I found this a refreshing and fun satire on the Gnostic books. This is the Devil's version of creation and Adam and Eve.
It is a bit long winded in a few places but the verbiage is spot on!
Here is a section where Adam is being introduced to Eve but the devil gave Eve a mirror to hold.
"The look on Adam's face wasn't very promising either. Because he resented the fact that Eve looked in the mirror before looking at him.
"Will she always keep me waiting like this? Will she always be late?" he asked with discontent.""
I think men are still asking that question!
It's sprinkled with dry humor and plenty of wit throughout the book. I found it quite clever! It's a short but good read!
February 7, 2021
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil by Bedrettin Simsek is a funny-fantasy story about Adam and Eve, the creation of the earth, hell, and angels; different and ironic from other stories because this time has been told by the devil's book. Devil tells us the truth from his perspective and his bold role in creation. He has all answers to the unanswered questions.
"Even when there is only one woman in the universe, men cannot be trusted."
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil by Bedrettin Simsek.
"Even when there is only one woman in the universe, men cannot be trusted."
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil by Bedrettin Simsek.
March 6, 2021
NOTE: I received a free preliminary, and likely unedited copy of this book from Netgalley for the purposes of providing an honest, unbiased review of the material. Thank you to all involved.
I think the backstory of the author, as described in the preface, is almost more intriguing than this book itself. A Turkish author, Simsek apparently wrote a book early in his career that was deemed heretical and was jailed in his home country along with people associated with the book publisher that released it. When released, he tried for decades to get his books out there, but was blocked and threatened forcing him to self-publish. This caused his books to go largely forgotten until now apparently.
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil is written in the tradition of the ancient Gnostics, who composed a whole litany of religious texts in the early eras of Christianity, and were later deemed the most heretical of all heretics and driven underground by what is now The Catholic Church, they were oppressed, killed, and had their books destroyed. Most of what we have of their works was only made available due to a monk burying scrolls in a clay pot hundreds of years ago. Being a person that formerly considered themselves Gnostic, and having read a lot on the subject, this was a definite interest for me.
This is basically a retelling of The first part of the Biblical Book of Genesis with an emphasis on the Devil as the main protagonist. While the ideas presented are interesting, I’m not sure they wholly represent the Gnostic ideas of the “Garden of Eden” events as seen in books like The Testimony of Truth or The Apocalypse of Adam which are historical texts detailing the same story, but actually written by The Gnostics. However, many old biblical texts are basically religious fan-fiction in their own right – designed to tell an allegory within the context of a set of known characters. This is, of course, something Biblical literalists don’t want to hear, but I digress.
My qualms aside, this is a solid book, and I liked what the text was trying to do here. The dialog definitely grounds the characters, and gives you sympathy for a character that is largely seen as very misunderstood for a multitude of reasons. All-in-all, I liked this and would like to read more by the author. And of course I’d like to learn more about his troubles, and am glad he is finally getting his work out there.
I think the backstory of the author, as described in the preface, is almost more intriguing than this book itself. A Turkish author, Simsek apparently wrote a book early in his career that was deemed heretical and was jailed in his home country along with people associated with the book publisher that released it. When released, he tried for decades to get his books out there, but was blocked and threatened forcing him to self-publish. This caused his books to go largely forgotten until now apparently.
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Heaven According to The Devil is written in the tradition of the ancient Gnostics, who composed a whole litany of religious texts in the early eras of Christianity, and were later deemed the most heretical of all heretics and driven underground by what is now The Catholic Church, they were oppressed, killed, and had their books destroyed. Most of what we have of their works was only made available due to a monk burying scrolls in a clay pot hundreds of years ago. Being a person that formerly considered themselves Gnostic, and having read a lot on the subject, this was a definite interest for me.
This is basically a retelling of The first part of the Biblical Book of Genesis with an emphasis on the Devil as the main protagonist. While the ideas presented are interesting, I’m not sure they wholly represent the Gnostic ideas of the “Garden of Eden” events as seen in books like The Testimony of Truth or The Apocalypse of Adam which are historical texts detailing the same story, but actually written by The Gnostics. However, many old biblical texts are basically religious fan-fiction in their own right – designed to tell an allegory within the context of a set of known characters. This is, of course, something Biblical literalists don’t want to hear, but I digress.
My qualms aside, this is a solid book, and I liked what the text was trying to do here. The dialog definitely grounds the characters, and gives you sympathy for a character that is largely seen as very misunderstood for a multitude of reasons. All-in-all, I liked this and would like to read more by the author. And of course I’d like to learn more about his troubles, and am glad he is finally getting his work out there.
February 6, 2021
First off, I have to say that I'm utterly in awe with the writer. The hardships he's had to face because of his religious views and the way he's been boycotted from the literary world is extremely upsetting.
Therefore I really wanted to like this book. The concept was thoroughly intriguing. I found Bedrettin's thought process utterly fascinating. His views on love in particular were absolutely ground-breaking.
However, I couldn't stand the writing. Dry humour mixed with misogyny really ruined the book. I enjoy mythological fiction yet I found this book to be too burdensome. Many biblical references were drawn without providing adequate references. The writing was sporadic, jumbled and tiresome.
That being said, I'm still looking forward to reading some other work of this writer. I think he has originality of thought and I'm hoping that this one book won't discourage me (or others who might not have enjoyed this book) from giving him another shot.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Therefore I really wanted to like this book. The concept was thoroughly intriguing. I found Bedrettin's thought process utterly fascinating. His views on love in particular were absolutely ground-breaking.
However, I couldn't stand the writing. Dry humour mixed with misogyny really ruined the book. I enjoy mythological fiction yet I found this book to be too burdensome. Many biblical references were drawn without providing adequate references. The writing was sporadic, jumbled and tiresome.
That being said, I'm still looking forward to reading some other work of this writer. I think he has originality of thought and I'm hoping that this one book won't discourage me (or others who might not have enjoyed this book) from giving him another shot.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
January 31, 2021
Revisitation of the first part of Genesis by what is described in the translator's preface as a cursed writer... and dead, although in reality he seems very much alive. Having said that, the idea of offering a version of the narrative common to the three 'revealed religions' in which the devil loses his status as God's beloved angel because he sees the creator's pride embodied in the animality of creation, and thus refuses to bow before Adam, while he does so before Eve, to whom he offers the fruit of the tree of knowledge (gnosis) and for whom he invents human love, is very intriguing. However, a certain heaviness in the narrative, further burdened by the translation, makes for rather tiring reading.
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September 12, 2021English is not my mother tongue, nor is it the language in which this book was originally written. Maybe this has something to do with it, but the truth is this book was not easy to me. I couldn't get myself to like it or to want to read it.
January 30, 2021
NetGalley review:
The creation and fall of Adam and Eve from the devils POV.
Well-written and researched. Unfortunately I didn’t click with the humour so it just felt like a lot of biblical references with a bit of context thrown in.
Not my style but others may enjoy it.
The creation and fall of Adam and Eve from the devils POV.
Well-written and researched. Unfortunately I didn’t click with the humour so it just felt like a lot of biblical references with a bit of context thrown in.
Not my style but others may enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews