Man's Connections to Nature

In the novel Children of Eden, author Joey Graceffa explores both inherent and physical connections between man and nature. For example, the reaction of Rowan, the novel's protagonist, when she sees the camphor tree for the first time is the result of an inherent connection. Rowan describes the smell that hits her at the same time she sees the tree, and she recognizes the scent even though she has never smelled it before. She recognizes the knowledge as an innate part of her being. Also, without a plausible reason other than an inherent sense, Rowan is drawn to the tree that is growing in the main room of the cavern. She has a reverent feeling toward the tree and all it represents.

The novel addresses man's physical connection to the tree in the cavern. The tree is an outward symbol of the physical...