Author Maria Liviero explores the idea that the evil side of God has influenced the collective conscience and affected our psyches in this book aimed at helping readers uncover their true selves, break free from addiction, and conquer problematic behaviors.
Through the story of two “Eves”—a modern-day character and the biblical Eve— transpersonal psychotherapist Liviero dissects the nature of God, good versus evil, and how it all correlates to the negative aspects of our lives. Liviero takes readers through therapy sessions where “Eve” examines the biblical creation story, how “the origin of evil comes from God” and how historical literature, such as the Bible, has negatively affected the collective conscience. She poses that “trauma exists inside of you—it is not what happens to you…”
Through extensive dialogue between Eve, her “Soul,” and her therapist, along with “Food for Thought” summaries and discussion questions at each chapter’s end, Liviero attempts to “raise awareness of the unconscious feelings…so that we can…begin to connect with the dark side of our personality. She promises “the rewards are unexpected and worthwhile.”
While much of the narrative is thought-provoking, well researched and backed with ample footnotes, the literary narrative detracts from the book’s message. The dual characters of Eve coupled with seemingly endless philosophical conversations between Eve, her Soul, and her therapist create an exhausting reading experience. The dialogue is unnatural, and the story of modern-day Eve quickly begins to feel like a placeholder for, perhaps, the author’s own experiences. It has an “asking for a friend” feel that devalues the author’s authority on the subject.
The book’s messages are extremely complex and would have been better served through straightforward discussions of the concepts. The characters are unnecessary, cumbersome, and distracting. Ample typographical errors, run-on sentences and grammatical issues further distract.
Liviero’s research has potential, but revisions are necessary to lend her book widespread appeal.
Also available as an ebook.
