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Review of «The Garden of Eden» by Ernest Hemingway 
Ernest Hemingway’s «The Garden of Eden» (published posthumously in 1986) is a provocative departure from his typical machismo-driven narratives, delving into themes of gender fluidity, sexual experimentation, and creative obsession. Unlike the stoic heroes of «The Old Man and the Sea» or «A Farewell to Arms», this novel’s protagonists—David Bourne, a young writer, and his wife, Catherine—embark on a hedonistic journey that blurs traditional roles, leading to psychological unraveling. 
The story begins as an idyllic portrait of newlywed bliss in the French Riviera, but Catherine’s desire to subvert expectations—cutting her hair like a boy, insisting David dye his to match hers, and introducing another woman into their relationship—pushes the couple into dangerous territory. Hemingway’s prose remains characteristically crisp, but the novel’s tension lies in its exploration of identity, artistic sacrifice, and the corrosive effects of desire. 
Critics debate whether the book, edited down from Hemingway’s sprawling manuscripts, fully reflects his intent. Some argue it’s a revealing, overlooked masterpiece; others find it uneven, its eroticism and psychological complexity at odds with his usual restraint. Yet, its daring themes—taboo for Hemingway’s era—make it a fascinating, if flawed, addition to his legacy. 

Verdict: A haunting, sensual, and unsettling novel that challenges Hemingway’s archetypal masculinity. More experimental than his classics, but compelling for its psychological depth. 
Rating: 4/5 
Not his finest work, but perhaps his most daring. Essential for Hemingway completists and those interested in his darker, more introspective side.