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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Not Steinbeck’s best effort. I liked his other books, but this one, not his best.
I just couldn’t put it down! One of the best books I have ever read.
I read this many years ago but couldn’t remember it. I decided to try it again. As an older adult I could appreciate the plot lines and deeper themes. Disturbing at times and poignant.
A classic…wish I had read it earlier.
I had never been assigned to read East of Eden in school, but have recently embarked on an effort to read some of the “Classics”, if possible. When I saw this come available on Bookbub, I jumped.
Absolutely one of the greatest books I have ever read. Steinbeck’s prose is exceptional. The story pits the classics battle of Good and evil in all of us through the story of a couple of families.
If you haven’t read it, put it next on your reading list. You will not be disappointed!
A classic must read. Steinbeck was the master at character development
I reread this book for the 3rd time. Each reading was many years apart and each time I had a different level of understanding. Steinbeck is a favorite of mine.
Top 5 book of all time on my list. Incredibly well written, lyrical, heart breaking, wonderful.
Wonderful storyline.Gave the reader such deep insights into the main characters.
The only thing this book proves is that John Stienback remains in a class by himself! Highly recommend!
A masterpiece. Steinbeck deserved the Nobel Prize.
This is of course an American classic which I have been reading and rereading every three or four years for 35+ years…. Books just dont come much better, unless it might be Cannery Row, or The Pearl…… by the same John Steinbeck
Reread your books that you read when you were young. Great books.
Typical Steinbeck, interesting story. It asks moral questions and makes you think.
One of my favorite of all time! Read many times over the years. A must-read.
It has been many years since I read East of Eden and once I started reading I realized that in my younger years it was just a story, now that I’m older it was much more poignant. A Classic that I believe everyone should read more than once.
Deeply philosophical story. It’s a classic worth diving into.
This book is a true classic. The moral issues presented here are as old as humankind, and just as fraught with emotion and tragedy. Steinbeck’s characters and story line couldn’t be better. I believe everyone should read this one.
Exceptional story and individual personal stories, very thought provoking.
Enjoyed