Gavin Frankle's The First Man

The First Man by Gavin Frankle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

(free copy in exchange for review from NetGalley)

Everything you've been told about the creation of the world – Eden, the first man and woman, etc – is wrong. This is the real story told by Adam himself.

Frankle's version of the Beginning is intriguing, yet it fails to keep the reader interested. It is depressing and, frankly, kind of a bore. Adam talks to himself. A lot. A whole hell of a lot. If you don't pay attention, though, you will miss some important stuff. That's the hard part, paying attention. I found myself skimming the parts were Adam just talks and talks and talks...and talks. Which is a little funny because the book is actually a quick read.

I think Frankle could have done a great job with it. The concept is striking and it is clear that he is extremely talented. Adam has every right to be angry and depressed. However, his ranting is on the level of being childish and his loathing of humans obnoxious.

I think Frankle needs to tone down all the nonessential words and throw in a bit more action if he needs to make the book longer. Lighten up a bit on the human-hating and it's a great read.

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