A masterpiece of Biblical scope, and the magnum opus of one of America’s most enduring authors, in a commemorative hardcover edition In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the … novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.
The masterpiece of Steinbeck’s later years, East of Eden is a work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence. Adapted for the 1955 film directed by Elia Kazan introducing James Dean, and read by thousands as the book that brought Oprah’s Book Club back, East of Eden has remained vitally present in American culture for over half a century.
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One of my favorites, I read this several times through the years. Steinbeck rules!
Classic
Multi-layered and incredibly written, this classic is on my top ten list!
It’s my favorite book ever.
Great book!
A favorite
Steinbeck has an amazing style when writing. It captures your attention and heart while presenting the cruel and harsh nature of humans and of the reality they live in. One of my all time favorites and a must read in my opinion!
wonderful reading
A wonderful classic
East of Eden resonated strongly with me. My grandpa was a big strong Irishman who loved riding horses. He lived in the San Joaquin Valley in California and he married a tiny beautiful Danish girl. He was the epitome of Steinbeck’s characters. I could imagine him on the big old horse visiting the family. The development of the farmer and the wife he chose was fascinating. Her venom was pouring out of the story. Truly one of my most favorite books which I will read again.
One of my all time favorites. The story was heart tugging beautifully written gem.
Classic
One of my favorite books by Steinbeck. A must read. Good characters, interesting time period in history and Northern California.
One of those books I read MANY years ago…and I hope I live long enough to read it again. And maybe AGAIN!
A mixture of tragedy and hope. I wish that I could meet some of the characters.
Probably it is one of the best five books I have ever read. I should have read it 65 years ago.
Classic book that I have read several times over the years. It never gets old, even though it takes place in the last century. Family dynamics, confusion and anguish of a young man trying to find himself. Great read always!
One of the best novels of all time.
Want to read it more
A favorite of mine. Just reread it.