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Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II
ϻӮ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite History & Biography (2024)An incredible true story of murder in a utopian community established on a remote Galápagos island by European refugees and the American industrialist who became embroiled in the investigation—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park
At the height of the Great Depression, Los Angeles oil mogul George Allan Hancock and his crew of Smithsonian scientists came upon a gruesome scene: two bodies, mummified by the searing heat, on the shore of a remote Galápagos island. For the past four years Hancock and other American elites had traveled the South Seas to collect specimens for scientific research. On one trip to the Galápagos, Hancock was surprised to discover an equally exotic group of humans: European exiles who had fled political and economic unrest, hoping to create a utopian paradise. One was so devoted to a life of isolation that he’d had his teeth extracted and replaced with a set of steel dentures.
As Hancock and his fellow American explorers would witness, paradise had turned into chaos. The three sets of exiles—a Berlin doctor and his lover, a traumatized World War I veteran and his young family, and an Austrian baroness with two adoring paramours—were riven by conflict. Petty slights led to angry confrontations. The baroness, wielding a riding crop and pearl-handled revolver, staged physical fights between her two lovers and unabashedly seduced American tourists. The conclusion was deadly: with two exiles missing and three others dead, the survivors hurled accusations of murder.
Using never-before-published archives, Abbott Kahler weaves a chilling, stranger-than-fiction tale worthy of Agatha Christie. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the march to World War II, with a mystery as alluring and curious as the Galápagos itself, Eden Undone explores the universal and timeless desire to seek utopia—and lays bare the human fallibility that, inevitably, renders such a quest doomed.
At the height of the Great Depression, Los Angeles oil mogul George Allan Hancock and his crew of Smithsonian scientists came upon a gruesome scene: two bodies, mummified by the searing heat, on the shore of a remote Galápagos island. For the past four years Hancock and other American elites had traveled the South Seas to collect specimens for scientific research. On one trip to the Galápagos, Hancock was surprised to discover an equally exotic group of humans: European exiles who had fled political and economic unrest, hoping to create a utopian paradise. One was so devoted to a life of isolation that he’d had his teeth extracted and replaced with a set of steel dentures.
As Hancock and his fellow American explorers would witness, paradise had turned into chaos. The three sets of exiles—a Berlin doctor and his lover, a traumatized World War I veteran and his young family, and an Austrian baroness with two adoring paramours—were riven by conflict. Petty slights led to angry confrontations. The baroness, wielding a riding crop and pearl-handled revolver, staged physical fights between her two lovers and unabashedly seduced American tourists. The conclusion was deadly: with two exiles missing and three others dead, the survivors hurled accusations of murder.
Using never-before-published archives, Abbott Kahler weaves a chilling, stranger-than-fiction tale worthy of Agatha Christie. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the march to World War II, with a mystery as alluring and curious as the Galápagos itself, Eden Undone explores the universal and timeless desire to seek utopia—and lays bare the human fallibility that, inevitably, renders such a quest doomed.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2024
298 people are currently reading
17.9k people want to read
About the author
Abbott Kahler
5books186followersThis author is also published under Karen Abbott
Abbott Kahler, formerly writing as Karen Abbott, is the New York Times bestselling author of Sin in the Second City; American Rose; Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy; and The Ghosts of Eden Park. She is also the host of Remus: The Mad Bootleg King, a podcast about legendary Jazz Age bootlegger George Remus. A native of Philadelphia, she lives in New York City and in Greenport, New York.
Abbott Kahler, formerly writing as Karen Abbott, is the New York Times bestselling author of Sin in the Second City; American Rose; Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy; and The Ghosts of Eden Park. She is also the host of Remus: The Mad Bootleg King, a podcast about legendary Jazz Age bootlegger George Remus. A native of Philadelphia, she lives in New York City and in Greenport, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
August 22, 2024
'It could be so beautiful on earth, if humans weren't animals'.
The Great War had ended but the feeling of discontent still existed for many. In Germany, war reparations were crippling the economy and Hitler was beginning to garner support. Friedrich, a doctor, and his acolyte Dore, decide 'civilisation' wasn’t something they wanted to be a part of. The dream to create a utopia, supported by their own, unique, philosophies was realised when they move to Floreana: an island, some purported as cursed, in the Galapagos, 'The islands lie just about as Vulcan cast them down, or perhaps it was Lucifer who heaved them out'. Despite living off-grid and off-line, word of these real-life castaways spreads, 'We had become objects of sensational publicity.' Soon another couple and their son join them. Feathers are ruffled but island life carries on - albeit with a slight tension in the air. It isn't until the Baroness and her minions arrive, after convincing the local government of their intent to build a luxury hotel, that a match is finally struck to, 'the intense, claustrophobic cauldron of a remote island'. Fair to say, the utopian dream is blown sky-high and, ironically, it becomes an experiment of Darwin's survival of the fittest.
'Survivor' has nothing on this true story. Kahler does an awesome job of providing contextual tidbits without distracting the reader or detracting from the core story. Although this story is as readable, and captivating as fiction, the provision of extensive endnotes assures the reader that it is indeed non-fiction.
If you love stories of adventure or psychological thrillers (fiction or non), be assured you'll love this.
The Great War had ended but the feeling of discontent still existed for many. In Germany, war reparations were crippling the economy and Hitler was beginning to garner support. Friedrich, a doctor, and his acolyte Dore, decide 'civilisation' wasn’t something they wanted to be a part of. The dream to create a utopia, supported by their own, unique, philosophies was realised when they move to Floreana: an island, some purported as cursed, in the Galapagos, 'The islands lie just about as Vulcan cast them down, or perhaps it was Lucifer who heaved them out'. Despite living off-grid and off-line, word of these real-life castaways spreads, 'We had become objects of sensational publicity.' Soon another couple and their son join them. Feathers are ruffled but island life carries on - albeit with a slight tension in the air. It isn't until the Baroness and her minions arrive, after convincing the local government of their intent to build a luxury hotel, that a match is finally struck to, 'the intense, claustrophobic cauldron of a remote island'. Fair to say, the utopian dream is blown sky-high and, ironically, it becomes an experiment of Darwin's survival of the fittest.
'Survivor' has nothing on this true story. Kahler does an awesome job of providing contextual tidbits without distracting the reader or detracting from the core story. Although this story is as readable, and captivating as fiction, the provision of extensive endnotes assures the reader that it is indeed non-fiction.
If you love stories of adventure or psychological thrillers (fiction or non), be assured you'll love this.
July 1, 2024
This book (and everyone in it) is BONKERS. Abbott Kahler is one of my favorites and her newest book, Eden Undone, does not disappoint.
There is one major problem, though. I don't want to ruin this for you. I went in almost completely blind about the story. I think it's the best way to approach this. Here is what you need to know. Various people decide to try and create isolated lives with their significant others on a deserted Galapagos island. In order not to spoil anything specific, but to also explain just how bonkers the story is, I'd like to provide a list. The following things are in this book:
1. Spouse swapping
2. Hitler
3. Volcanic eruptions
4. Murderous cows
5. Actual murder....maybe?
6. Drownings
7. Shipwrecks
8. Nudity. So much nudity.
9. Sex, duh.
10. Bad philosophy
That's not even all of it. A story like this in the hands of a pro like Kahler is a guaranteed page turner. I shall say no more. I want you to end up on the edge of your seat like I was.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Crown Publishing.)
There is one major problem, though. I don't want to ruin this for you. I went in almost completely blind about the story. I think it's the best way to approach this. Here is what you need to know. Various people decide to try and create isolated lives with their significant others on a deserted Galapagos island. In order not to spoil anything specific, but to also explain just how bonkers the story is, I'd like to provide a list. The following things are in this book:
1. Spouse swapping
2. Hitler
3. Volcanic eruptions
4. Murderous cows
5. Actual murder....maybe?
6. Drownings
7. Shipwrecks
8. Nudity. So much nudity.
9. Sex, duh.
10. Bad philosophy
That's not even all of it. A story like this in the hands of a pro like Kahler is a guaranteed page turner. I shall say no more. I want you to end up on the edge of your seat like I was.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Crown Publishing.)
October 8, 2024
Utterly amazing story of love, murder and the search for Utopia on the Galapagos Island of Floreana during the early years of the Depression. Abbott Kohler has written a page-turner that I could not put down. It non-fiction at its best, as she tells the story of Freidrich Ritter and his devotee Dore who move from Germany to Floreana to find inner peace and Utopia. That did not turn out too well. Ritter was a strange man, who espoused Vegetarianism but ate meat. Subject controlled Dore with wild mood swings he also could not stop making contact with the outside world which brought more people to live on the island. Nobody was compatible, some we really bizarre (The Baroness), and after a few years of living in semi-close proximity weird things start to happen. Some are killed on the island, others die as they leave the island, and nobody has the same story as to exactly what happened. It is a fantastic read and another great by this author. To this day, nobody really knows the true story of what happened on Floreana Island!!
February 6, 2025
3 Stars = Don't regret reading it.
*cue Gilligan's Island theme music*
First up, we have a German dentist, and his paramour. They intend to create a personal utopia on an uninhabited island. They chose Floreana (aka Charles Island) in the Galapagos archipelago.
Then along comes a middle-aged German Baroness, and her two young boy toys. She wants to build a 5-star resort.
And last, but not least, a German WWI Veteran, his pregnant lover, and his teenage son. They intend to live as homesteaders.
Sprinkle in a few celebrities, journalists, and various other folks stopping by to visit.
Chaos, sex, murder, and a myriad of shenanigans complete the scene.
If you want to read a true story that is a bit bonkers, this would be the one.
*cue Gilligan's Island theme music*
First up, we have a German dentist, and his paramour. They intend to create a personal utopia on an uninhabited island. They chose Floreana (aka Charles Island) in the Galapagos archipelago.
Then along comes a middle-aged German Baroness, and her two young boy toys. She wants to build a 5-star resort.
And last, but not least, a German WWI Veteran, his pregnant lover, and his teenage son. They intend to live as homesteaders.
Sprinkle in a few celebrities, journalists, and various other folks stopping by to visit.
Chaos, sex, murder, and a myriad of shenanigans complete the scene.
If you want to read a true story that is a bit bonkers, this would be the one.
February 24, 2025
EDEN UNDONE by Abbott Kahler is such a bizarre tale. I normally take my time with nonfiction reads, averaging 50 pages a day but I ended up flying thru this book. In the 1930s, some Europeans decide to flee the political unrest, and make their way to a remote Galapagos island. While a utopian community is the ideal, it isn’t the reality for these folks. Make sure to stick around for the Baroness and her men to arrive on the island as that’s when things really start taking a crazy turn. Some will die on this island. *cue the dun dun duuun! music
Thank you to Crown Publishing for sending me a free copy after I won it in a ϻӮ giveaway! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Thank you to Crown Publishing for sending me a free copy after I won it in a ϻӮ giveaway! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
October 18, 2024
"Women are “vessels of pleasure.” Sex is an “intellectual relaxation.” Man is the pioneer, restlessly searching for new fields, but “woman has neither imagination, logic, nor desire enough to do so” and is incapable of advancement along any of the mental pathways."
- Friedrich Ritter
First I'll say I am not entirely sure what or who killed Ritter, what I do know is that I would have killed the d*ck myself after the first conversation!
Now to this book, it looks like I am in the minority here but I was disappointed, to start, my Kindle version is 592 pages of which only 325 (35%) are the story, the rest are acknowledgements, copious notes, bibliography, photos and index. I appreciate all the research but you would think all of that would have gotten you a better story, the title was the best part but it was misleading, the book was rather dull and after all the back and forth with all the batsh*t crazy people on this island, we still don't know how the dead got dead and who did it. I liked The Ghosts of Eden Park much better.
- Friedrich Ritter
First I'll say I am not entirely sure what or who killed Ritter, what I do know is that I would have killed the d*ck myself after the first conversation!
Now to this book, it looks like I am in the minority here but I was disappointed, to start, my Kindle version is 592 pages of which only 325 (35%) are the story, the rest are acknowledgements, copious notes, bibliography, photos and index. I appreciate all the research but you would think all of that would have gotten you a better story, the title was the best part but it was misleading, the book was rather dull and after all the back and forth with all the batsh*t crazy people on this island, we still don't know how the dead got dead and who did it. I liked The Ghosts of Eden Park much better.
August 20, 2024
This was a true Stranger Than Fiction tale that probably would never have been known or told had not been for just about everyone on the island having kept journal, diaries, and wrote letters as often as they did. This one kept me up late, gobbling up all the pages til my eyes crossed for sleep wanting to know what happened to the fated residents of Floreana. Just.. Wow!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and Abbott Kahler for an ARC via ϻӮ giveaway. This was an adventure and history I will not soon forget!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and Abbott Kahler for an ARC via ϻӮ giveaway. This was an adventure and history I will not soon forget!
October 6, 2024
I don’t even know how to describe this book. This is the most obscure piece of nonfiction I’ve ever read and it’s absolutely riveting. What an insane ride.
November 24, 2024
Truth really is stranger than fiction sometimes!
This story is strange, wild, and sometimes disturbing 😳.
It was hard to put this down at times and others I had to step away because I needed a break to process what I just read.
The Baroness' spirit I could feel strongly through the pages... I have a feeling her spirit may still be at the Island not at peace...
A certain mystery of the Island, i'm wondering if more were involved than what the inhabitants said 🤔 . That question of what really happened will be probably never be answered.
The pictures at the end were interesting and Haunting. One particular picture of the Baroness gave me a squirming feeling.
All of these people are/were interesting in their own way... putting em all together, a weirdly compelling group.
Were they destined to run headlong into the events that went haywire? Will have to think on that one but there definitely was a feeling of doom hanging over like a black cloud ☁️ before a storm.
Would recommend this, another interesting piece of history that should be more well known.. l know this definitely would have caught my attention in high school.
Would I want to visit that place? I'm back and forth on that one.. maybe I'll just have the answer pop up in my mind one day.
This story is strange, wild, and sometimes disturbing 😳.
It was hard to put this down at times and others I had to step away because I needed a break to process what I just read.
The Baroness' spirit I could feel strongly through the pages... I have a feeling her spirit may still be at the Island not at peace...
A certain mystery of the Island, i'm wondering if more were involved than what the inhabitants said 🤔 . That question of what really happened will be probably never be answered.
The pictures at the end were interesting and Haunting. One particular picture of the Baroness gave me a squirming feeling.
All of these people are/were interesting in their own way... putting em all together, a weirdly compelling group.
Were they destined to run headlong into the events that went haywire? Will have to think on that one but there definitely was a feeling of doom hanging over like a black cloud ☁️ before a storm.
Would recommend this, another interesting piece of history that should be more well known.. l know this definitely would have caught my attention in high school.
Would I want to visit that place? I'm back and forth on that one.. maybe I'll just have the answer pop up in my mind one day.
October 17, 2024
GREAT. GOOGLY. MOOGLY.
This is a story, that if you heard about, or read about online, you'd have a hard time believing it; I am not sure that I have ever read a book that was so...CRAZY in every which way it could be [y'all, they were farming NAKED!!!, and that is one of the LESS weird things that happen in this book, if that tells you anything ] and you are left wondering what really happened [poison or food poisoning? Who knows? ] and how in the world did they not all die!! It just constantly blew my mind.
Brilliantly written and researched [make sure you check out the notes at the end ], this book will blow you away with just the sheer scope of it all and leave you 1. wanting to visit the Galapagos [preferably clothed LOL ] yourself, and 2. wondering just what the point of it all was [the original move, though even the "facts" behind the move were not completely true to begin with ].
This was just a fantastic read and I highly recommend it!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Crown Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story, that if you heard about, or read about online, you'd have a hard time believing it; I am not sure that I have ever read a book that was so...CRAZY in every which way it could be [y'all, they were farming NAKED!!!, and that is one of the LESS weird things that happen in this book, if that tells you anything ] and you are left wondering what really happened [poison or food poisoning? Who knows? ] and how in the world did they not all die!! It just constantly blew my mind.
Brilliantly written and researched [make sure you check out the notes at the end ], this book will blow you away with just the sheer scope of it all and leave you 1. wanting to visit the Galapagos [preferably clothed LOL ] yourself, and 2. wondering just what the point of it all was [the original move, though even the "facts" behind the move were not completely true to begin with ].
This was just a fantastic read and I highly recommend it!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Crown Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
Interesting and fairly engrossing - a tale of the modern "Robinsons", people who wanted to get away from civilization and found out that human passions still followed them - the book tries to stick out closely to the known facts and doesn't speculate too much about the mysterious deaths on the island, though the story is a little less dramatic than the title implies. Still a good page turning work of non fiction.
December 10, 2024
This is a tale of people on the fringe moving to an 'idyllic' South American island. The book explores the relationship between 3 groups of Germans in the 1930s. There is the eccentric dentist and his paramour, the sexually charged, dominating, self-centered baroness and the German homesteaders. We see the reasons they moved to Floreana Island in the Galapagos Island group and how their dreams ended. We see the tragic deaths of many of them and the survivors. It is a real-life version of Lord of the Flies. Though not outstanding, it is a worthwhile read.
October 8, 2024
First, this is great. Second, not all mysteries can be solved. Third, there is a lot of horrible treatment of animals - both by the island inhabitants and the visitors...it's not everywhere, but it's enough that it's notable, so sensitive animal lovers should be aware. I loved the book, but I did have so many moments where it was hard for me to read about the treatment of animals.
In spite of that, I was totally absorbed by this. This was fascinating and almost everyone in the book has some level of crazypants going on....actually, maybe all of them have some level of that, but some are better able to live with it than others.
There is so much going on and I think a lot of the plot that is necessary to understand is in the description. What I will say is that if you are interested in history, crime, mysteries, culty people, etc., you'll probably like this book. I need to put it out there, because of other reviews I've seen: there are no easy answers in this book. Mysteries are not solved. There are conflicting viewpoints and multiple people who have investment in blaming others for the tragedies that occur. But you do get a very interesting view of people who have very different views about how best to live - or not live - in society, how to live with others, how we can live with strife, and how cultish people can bring others into their viewpoint to support their cult (however small it is). You also get to make your own assessments of the views/arguments/justifications from the different folks involved about why other folks on the island (there's literally like 9 people who live there) start disappearing.
As a skeptic, I was also fascinated and amused by the pseudo vegetarianism of some of the true believers on the island. At the same time, I think that even though I'm amused by their hypocrisy, it's still unfair for me to completely judge them for what I would view as a mental health issue. They, like so many others who get caught up in cultish views, really believe what they are doing - or when they question it, don't really question the cultish stuff, but thankfully question the abusive stuff. (Don't come at me - I know cult stuff is abusive, but there are levels and some are worse than others.)
It was shorter than I expected (so many notes!!! - which is great) and not all mysteries are solved, but it was fascinating and intriguing and I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between Dore and Margret's versions of their lives. I was totally absorbed and am planning to watch the doc on Youtube that I just found is available.
Also - if a dude brings you into his cult of one and tries to tell you that, as a chick, you should submit...DON'T GO GIRL! Also, if you do go...don't be mean to the only normal people you interact with, even if you are feeling insecure about your choices.
In spite of that, I was totally absorbed by this. This was fascinating and almost everyone in the book has some level of crazypants going on....actually, maybe all of them have some level of that, but some are better able to live with it than others.
There is so much going on and I think a lot of the plot that is necessary to understand is in the description. What I will say is that if you are interested in history, crime, mysteries, culty people, etc., you'll probably like this book. I need to put it out there, because of other reviews I've seen: there are no easy answers in this book. Mysteries are not solved. There are conflicting viewpoints and multiple people who have investment in blaming others for the tragedies that occur. But you do get a very interesting view of people who have very different views about how best to live - or not live - in society, how to live with others, how we can live with strife, and how cultish people can bring others into their viewpoint to support their cult (however small it is). You also get to make your own assessments of the views/arguments/justifications from the different folks involved about why other folks on the island (there's literally like 9 people who live there) start disappearing.
As a skeptic, I was also fascinated and amused by the pseudo vegetarianism of some of the true believers on the island. At the same time, I think that even though I'm amused by their hypocrisy, it's still unfair for me to completely judge them for what I would view as a mental health issue. They, like so many others who get caught up in cultish views, really believe what they are doing - or when they question it, don't really question the cultish stuff, but thankfully question the abusive stuff. (Don't come at me - I know cult stuff is abusive, but there are levels and some are worse than others.)
It was shorter than I expected (so many notes!!! - which is great) and not all mysteries are solved, but it was fascinating and intriguing and I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between Dore and Margret's versions of their lives. I was totally absorbed and am planning to watch the doc on Youtube that I just found is available.
Also - if a dude brings you into his cult of one and tries to tell you that, as a chick, you should submit...DON'T GO GIRL! Also, if you do go...don't be mean to the only normal people you interact with, even if you are feeling insecure about your choices.
July 11, 2024
To be published by Crown in September, 2024.
Fiction has to seem true to life. Non-Fiction does not have that burden. Narrative historian Abbott Kahler (who used to write as Karen Abbott) has given us a true story so outrageous, so indescribable, it would never pass as fiction. In the early 30’s a Nietzsche-loving doctor and his patient/lover/ acolyte Dore give up their lives in Germany to live on one of the more inhospitable islands in the Galapagos. They do not want a jungle paradise; they want hard work tinged with a hint of punishment. Soon they are joined by others, including the vampish Baroness, who prove the old adage that Hell is other people. Based on primary sources, the book is more LORD OF THE FLIES than ROBINSON CRUSOE. Sex, distrust, and a penchant for retribution do not a Utopia make.
Fiction has to seem true to life. Non-Fiction does not have that burden. Narrative historian Abbott Kahler (who used to write as Karen Abbott) has given us a true story so outrageous, so indescribable, it would never pass as fiction. In the early 30’s a Nietzsche-loving doctor and his patient/lover/ acolyte Dore give up their lives in Germany to live on one of the more inhospitable islands in the Galapagos. They do not want a jungle paradise; they want hard work tinged with a hint of punishment. Soon they are joined by others, including the vampish Baroness, who prove the old adage that Hell is other people. Based on primary sources, the book is more LORD OF THE FLIES than ROBINSON CRUSOE. Sex, distrust, and a penchant for retribution do not a Utopia make.
July 16, 2024
I flew through this suspenseful and engagingly written non-fiction book. Thanks to an advance copy from the publisher, I'm writing a review for an academic journal and giving a presentation on this book in the fall. It's totally in line with studies of "utopian" visions of creating Edenic places to live--that's why I requested a copy. After the review is available, I'll share more thoughts here.
If you're interested in utopian dreamers and true stories of adventure, then you should definitely get a copy of Eden Undone. Abbott Kahler did her research and presented it in a way that is both gripping and thoughtful!
If you're interested in utopian dreamers and true stories of adventure, then you should definitely get a copy of Eden Undone. Abbott Kahler did her research and presented it in a way that is both gripping and thoughtful!
October 15, 2024
It was very well written and researched. However, oh man does the subtitle oversell this book. I was looking for some sex and murder and really got none of it. This was boring, it sounded so exciting and it was going to be this amazing story but nope, just kind of dull.
May 2, 2025
I loved this nonfiction book that is whackadoo in all the events which happened. So unbelievable, and the reason why history can be fun. If you have read Vincent Bugliosi's "And the Sea Will Tell", you'll enjoy the psychological similarities 40 years before that true story.
December 18, 2024
4.5/5
After World War I, a German couple searches for Utopia and enlightenment, for a return to the primitive way of living thinking that modern conveniences have made the world a worst place. Him: a war veteran and doctor, her: his former patient, together they packed up their bags and took off to a remote place where they could be alone with nature. This place? Floreana, an island in the Galápagos archipelago. This eccentric way of living, of thinking draws attention to their little heaven on earth and soon they will be joined by another couple and their children, and a disruptive violent baroness with her two lovers. Mistrust, jealousy, hatred, and violence soon ensue and the story of utopia ends with death.
A book that proves the reality is weirder and wilder than fiction. Engrossing and well narrated, Kahler put a lot of work into the research and it shows. There was a lot of material available that allowed the reader to get to know the psyche and inner thoughts of these persons, elevating them from mere words on the page to the actual flesh and blood human beings they were. The short, sharp, exciting chapters made this a quick read, a page turner for sure. I wouldn't want to spoil this at all, that's how strange it gets, so I'll only make some observations.
I think it's so interesting how life in Floreana ended up becoming a microcosm of Europe in this era and the events that led to WWI and WWII. You have these entitled foreigners taking over a piece of land because they think they know better than the locals, deriving some sort of benefit from this endeavor (in this case fame really if you think about it), which in turn drives others to come do the same. Once you have multiple factions, there starts a fight for resources: water, land, food, presents and attention from the Americans. And this all leads to an explosion of violence.
Entitlement is the word I would use to describe everyone we met in this tale. The two German couples who just moved and decided to live there, the baroness and her men expecting everything to work out their way, the Americans and their "scientific exploration" trips which were more like plundering and kidnapping of fauna. As a South American this is what was more insidious about everyone's actions, the sheer disregard for anything that didn't fit their ideas of the world.
As cliché as it sounds, this books proves that hell is other people and wherever you go there you are.
"As I turned and went back to our guests," she wrote, "I knew that dire events were on the way, violence and death—and for the first time vague and ominous presentiments which I had felt before crystallized into a feeling of murder."
After World War I, a German couple searches for Utopia and enlightenment, for a return to the primitive way of living thinking that modern conveniences have made the world a worst place. Him: a war veteran and doctor, her: his former patient, together they packed up their bags and took off to a remote place where they could be alone with nature. This place? Floreana, an island in the Galápagos archipelago. This eccentric way of living, of thinking draws attention to their little heaven on earth and soon they will be joined by another couple and their children, and a disruptive violent baroness with her two lovers. Mistrust, jealousy, hatred, and violence soon ensue and the story of utopia ends with death.
A book that proves the reality is weirder and wilder than fiction. Engrossing and well narrated, Kahler put a lot of work into the research and it shows. There was a lot of material available that allowed the reader to get to know the psyche and inner thoughts of these persons, elevating them from mere words on the page to the actual flesh and blood human beings they were. The short, sharp, exciting chapters made this a quick read, a page turner for sure. I wouldn't want to spoil this at all, that's how strange it gets, so I'll only make some observations.
I think it's so interesting how life in Floreana ended up becoming a microcosm of Europe in this era and the events that led to WWI and WWII. You have these entitled foreigners taking over a piece of land because they think they know better than the locals, deriving some sort of benefit from this endeavor (in this case fame really if you think about it), which in turn drives others to come do the same. Once you have multiple factions, there starts a fight for resources: water, land, food, presents and attention from the Americans. And this all leads to an explosion of violence.
Entitlement is the word I would use to describe everyone we met in this tale. The two German couples who just moved and decided to live there, the baroness and her men expecting everything to work out their way, the Americans and their "scientific exploration" trips which were more like plundering and kidnapping of fauna. As a South American this is what was more insidious about everyone's actions, the sheer disregard for anything that didn't fit their ideas of the world.
As cliché as it sounds, this books proves that hell is other people and wherever you go there you are.
October 1, 2024
Bravo! A thoroughly engaging non-fiction account of murder in a utopian community on a remote island in Galapagos during WW II.
This reads like fiction, however as Abbott states in her Author’s Note, everything between quotation marks comes from an archive, diary, letter, newspaper article, book & unpublished manuscripts. The details & descriptions are spot on.
If you love history and want to learn the true life happenings of what becomes of the individuals searching for a utopian world of their own on the island of Galapagos, then you must read this novel. You will be intrigued & disgusted at the same time. These people were sociopathic, narcissistic, deceitful, cruel & greedy individuals. And oh the debauchery!
Favorite Lines:
“You never see the animal in man….And yet, there lies the root of every evil. It is the animal in us that torments us, and drives us from the path. That is the evil spirit which we must drive out, and it is all the more difficult because it appears so often in a charming mask.”
“ It could be so beautiful on earth…if humans weren’t animals.”
“Do you know that there may be moments in our relations with those we love, when we leave them to be nearer to them?”
Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing & Abbott Kahler for an ARC in return for an honest review.
This reads like fiction, however as Abbott states in her Author’s Note, everything between quotation marks comes from an archive, diary, letter, newspaper article, book & unpublished manuscripts. The details & descriptions are spot on.
If you love history and want to learn the true life happenings of what becomes of the individuals searching for a utopian world of their own on the island of Galapagos, then you must read this novel. You will be intrigued & disgusted at the same time. These people were sociopathic, narcissistic, deceitful, cruel & greedy individuals. And oh the debauchery!
Favorite Lines:
“You never see the animal in man….And yet, there lies the root of every evil. It is the animal in us that torments us, and drives us from the path. That is the evil spirit which we must drive out, and it is all the more difficult because it appears so often in a charming mask.”
“ It could be so beautiful on earth…if humans weren’t animals.”
“Do you know that there may be moments in our relations with those we love, when we leave them to be nearer to them?”
Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing & Abbott Kahler for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 5, 2024
I’m not sure this should have even been written since it’s nothing but contradictions. You don’t know what is true, if anything. The author constantly tells one version but then says the other person involved has letters or journals that tell a totally different story & proceeds to tell us that version. This happens the entire book. Like what was the point of this then.
It’s basically a story of several separate peoples madness, or they eventually become mad while living on the island, with one psychopath, and they all abuse animals in dozens of ways and we are repeatedly told about it throughout the book.
So, yeah, none of the characters are likable, and it’s very aggravating to read, and then it makes no sense that they want to live on this island to escape society, but somehow they all write to the same millionaire (who comes to the island occasionally with scientists to steal the native animals to experiment on) with a wish list of things they need and he brings it. Like how did you think you were going to survive on an island in the 1930’s if this rando is not bringing you milk for your baby? It’s just weird and nonsensical.
I wanted to stop reading this so many times. I wish I had. I was hoping this would be interesting & I would learn a lot, like The Wager, but this was rough. I need a palate cleanser.
It’s basically a story of several separate peoples madness, or they eventually become mad while living on the island, with one psychopath, and they all abuse animals in dozens of ways and we are repeatedly told about it throughout the book.
So, yeah, none of the characters are likable, and it’s very aggravating to read, and then it makes no sense that they want to live on this island to escape society, but somehow they all write to the same millionaire (who comes to the island occasionally with scientists to steal the native animals to experiment on) with a wish list of things they need and he brings it. Like how did you think you were going to survive on an island in the 1930’s if this rando is not bringing you milk for your baby? It’s just weird and nonsensical.
I wanted to stop reading this so many times. I wish I had. I was hoping this would be interesting & I would learn a lot, like The Wager, but this was rough. I need a palate cleanser.
November 17, 2024
This book was insane! It was basically like taking your neighborhood drama to a deserted tropical island. There were 3 different groups trying to live on the island with their own extremist beliefs. I had this both in kindle and in audio, but mainly listened to the audio due to timing. It was fine, but would probably have been better in print. There was a map in the kindle version that I liked to refer back to at times. And, often the accounts of events were drastically different depending on who was telling the story (or even the same person would change their story multiple times). I would sometimes have to rewind a little bit to keep it all straight. It was such a bizarre story. It does make me want to visit it though as there is a village now with several hotels.
January 28, 2025
I had previously heard this story on episode 129 of my favorite murder, which I still feel hits all the high points along with a hilarious delivery. I definitely am glad I read it, but if you’re looking to save 9 hours I’d recommend the podcast. The book goes into more depth of everyone’s unhinged diary entries and day to day drama on the island. I can only hope that one day my husband will have such kind words for me on his death bed as Friedrich did for Dora.
November 11, 2024
3.5 - The title of this exhaustively researched and well written story grabbed my attention . About half way through I started to lose interest and developed little tolerance for the people involved. The historical context kept me reading.
October 3, 2024
Holy crap, this book is, as one of my friends posted, BONKERS. I love a good historical mystery with oddball characters and when there are unexplained murders and overall mayhem, well- even better!
October 15, 2024
Wow wow. One of the crazier stories I’ve read — and TRUE! This book is so well written and researched, and crazy intriguing. Loved it from start to finish.
October 1, 2024
I'm not sure I have ever felt more lost in a narrative non-fiction. This is probably my fault because I started on audio and was having a hard time keeping track of the people, so I switch to my digital copy. While the book became easier to follow, I was just unable to really get into the story. I think that I will hold on to this and try it again in a few months.
August 7, 2024
At first, I was a little nervous going into this book. I don't usually read non-fiction since it doesn't grab my attention as much as fiction does. However, reading Eden Undone has showed me the non-fiction can be just as entertaining and shocking as any other genre. This story was filled with colorful characters, intense scenes and tons of information. The most shocking thing about Eden Undone was that everything in it actually happened. Oftentimes I found myself thinking that I was reading a novel only to realize that it's a true story.
Kahler does an excellent job at portraying the various events in an entertaining yet informative way. The pacing is wonderfully executed and the writing style is consistent. The information given throughout the book was relevant to the story which gave it a good flow.
Overall this has to be one of my favorite non-fiction books yet and I recommend it to anyone a fan of history and wild stories!
Kahler does an excellent job at portraying the various events in an entertaining yet informative way. The pacing is wonderfully executed and the writing style is consistent. The information given throughout the book was relevant to the story which gave it a good flow.
Overall this has to be one of my favorite non-fiction books yet and I recommend it to anyone a fan of history and wild stories!
July 17, 2024
As the cloud of WWII rises over Europe, three sets of exiles arrive separately, and seeking different ends, at an uninhabited and partially uninhabitable island in the Galapagos. Their lives intersect with each other and the variety of outsiders - fisherman, scientists and international millionaires – who occasionally stop by. Their story which is full of Intrigue, violence, sex and the struggle to create a utopia reads like a compelling crime novel but is, in fact, well researched nonfiction about a little corner of almost unknown but fascinating history.
December 16, 2024
Floreana island in the Galapagos archipelago was never a paradise. The settlers were human oddities thrown together. Ill will, rancor, and eventually open hostility resulted. Reading this book was not a pleasant experience. It just offered a glimpse into the pathologies of human behavior.
November 22, 2024
Such an oversell, was constantly waiting for the ‘murder’ and something exciting to happen.
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