The Story

We start in Hell, with Satan and his fellow angels licking their wounds after losing a war in Heaven. Fueled by pride and a thirst for revenge, Satan hatches a plan: if he can't beat God, he'll ruin God's newest creation—humanity. He travels to the Garden of Eden, a perfect paradise where Adam and Eve live in blissful ignorance. Through deception and cunning, Satan tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Once she shares it with Adam, their world changes forever. They gain knowledge, but they also lose their innocence and their home, setting the stage for all of human history.

Why You Should Read It

Don't let the 'epic poem' label scare you. Yes, it's grand and ambitious, but at its heart, it’s a deeply human drama. Milton makes Satan fascinating. You almost root for him at times, which is the whole point. The book forces you to think about the nature of evil, free will, and whether it’s better to rule in Hell or serve in Heaven. The conversations between Adam and Eve feel real and relatable, full of love, doubt, and blame. It’s a story about a colossal mistake and what comes after, told with breathtaking language.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a great villain, big philosophical questions, or foundational stories that shaped Western literature. It’s a commitment, but a rewarding one. Grab a modern translation or an annotated edition if the 17th-century English feels heavy—the story is worth the effort. If you've ever wondered about the other side of the 'fall of man' story, this is your book.