Customer Reviews

The Original Sin

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Was up all night reading..... just could not put down his book. It was like nothing I've ever read b4. The characters are sooo frighteningly real, the emotions so human and the setting so tangible. I loved Mercedes and Joel... the pain they go thru made me wanna cry... the begining and the body of the story was smashing... the kidnapping, the flashbacks, the war, the secrets, the addiction, the pain, the love... all just bowled me over. Nothing in the story was superficial or far-fetched. BUT, (here it comes)... the begining of the end was a bit disappointing. I felt that the author could have ended it on a whole different note, perhaps what I was looking for, was a longer and more satisfying happy-ending for Joel and Eden. Gabriel kinda ended it abruptly, like he was in ahurry to get it over with! I was hoping for a better reconciliation between Joel and his mother, with a lot more warmth... she treats him in the end like it *was* all his fault that she had an incestous affair with her own father. Since I am an incurable romantic, I was also looking for another couple of pages of "hugging and cuddling" for Eden and Joel after they come to know that they are not brother and sister!!.... Well! It was a very good read anyway.... KUDOS!

This is a huge, multi-generational, "pick it up and you can't put it down until the last page is read" kind of novel - perfect for a vacation or a snowbound weekend.

Marius Gabriel writes a dramatic tale that spans three generations, and takes the reader from 1920s Spain, through the Spanish Civil War, WWII, Vietnam, and the early 1970s (US) culture of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. All the action and subplots revolve around wealthy, sophisticated Mercedes Eduard, who was born in prewar Catalonia, the child of a rape victim. What follows is a riveting story of deception, love, and revenge most terrible. The historical backdrop, especially about Catalonian politics, anarchy, and the Civil War in Spain, certainly enhances the novel.

There are too many twists and turns in the plot to number, which make for a roller coaster ride of a read. And more than seven sins, (deadly or otherwise), are committed here. However, many of the book's characters are flatter than cardboard, and all too predictable. Joel Lennox, who kidnaps Mercedes' daughter Eden, and asks for millions of dollars in ransom, is the only character who is really fleshed out. He comes alive with his background of surviving the emotional pain of an abusive childhood, soldiering in the Vietnam War, and working his craft as an artist.

There are many books like this one on the shelves. I was quickly absorbed in the addictive storyline. It is a good, light read, but if you miss it, you are not missing a literary masterpiece.
JANA

Marius Gabriel's debut book is my favorite so far. It is such a captivating story, I could not put it down. The plot is so elaborate with so many unexpected turns. It is passionate, sexy, suspenseful and twisted; all the ingredients necessary for an amazing and compelling read.
Gabriel is a talented author with a very vivid imagination. I definitely recommend this book.

Marcus Gabriel makes you fall in love with the feelings between Joel and Eden. Then, when you find out what they are, your stomach swirls around. Great ending though, not the ending I expected, but better. One of the best books I have ever read.

Having had Mask of Time delivered to me accidently, and having read it because I was short on reading material at the time, I became hooked on Mr. Gabriel. I then purchased his earlier book, the Original Sin. I read it a long time ago but I recommend it, and Gabriel, to all my new reading buddies. His style is captivating, his characters real, his plots are intriguing. I absolutely loved Original Sin and did not want it to end. There is nothing I did not like about this book and I look forward to his next book. This is a great read.

I greatly enjoyed this book. The character devlopment wasexcellent as was the weaving back and forth of the time periods.Gabriel did not white wash Eden's heroine habit and the things she did to obtain her drug. This made her redemption all the more potent. I felt he could have "shown" more of what made Joel the way he was, as opposed to hearing Joel talk of it in past tense. Merecedes scenes after the kidnapping, when she realizes what a selfish mother she had been to Eden was exceptional, but, was overshadowed by the way she tries to "get back" at Joel for taking Eden. She abandoned Joel and shows no empathy for the life he had due to her selfishness in giving him away. This leads to the very end of the book where, I feel, Gabriel hurried. Things get tied up too quickly and some continuity is lost. END

This is a wonderful book by an amazing author...Always tells a great story!!! Totally satisfying and entertaining...

This is the first Marius Gabriel book I have read and intend to read more.
The Original Sin covers three generations of a family from 1917 to 1973 with plots and twists that are at times unbelievable. The strengths and weaknesses of the women (Mercedes and Eden, her daughter) will either have you saying "what a powerful/brave woman--or what a weak woman". So many surprises in this book that will keep you glued to the end.

'The Original Sin' is an amazing family saga spanning three generations of women, beginning in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and climaxing in 1970s Arizona. It is a tale of family secrets, tragedy, war, passion, obsession, addiction, kidnapping, love, money, shame and redemption. This is the book that made me a Marius Gabriel fan. The first time I read it, in my late teens 10+ years ago, it utterly blew me away. This time around, too, I didn't want it to end. It's a shame that Mr. Gabriel is no longer writing novels.

I went to the local libary to pick up some books to keep me busy as I wait this long, long months. The first thing that I thought was "What a huge Book!" I honestly didn't think it would of captured me the way it did. I have to say this book has such raw emotion that would catch myself catching my breath, or crying. I went and bought all the Marius's books hoping the are as capavating as this one. The characters feel like you are actually there through all thier ordeals. You find yourself rooting for the best for your favorites. All I know is that this book has kept me busy through the days and nights since I can't put it down.