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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This is my favorite book of all time!
Its Steinbeck and it doesn’t get any better! This is the way it was and you either accepted your lot and created a means to succeed or you failed. Great reading!
Steinbeck is a classic author and the book is better than the movie. This book falls flat at the end for me.
Held my attention. I enjoyed reading about family life during the early 20th Century. However, the author went into too much detail about the different families. It was an interesting read for a serious lover of books.
Historical, twisted people, perseverance. It meant a lot to me when I was young and I see different things now. Still worth the read though.
Great book
Beautifully written Cains and Abels story. Multi-generational, bi-coastal, historic.
Steinbeck’s works are such a joy to read. It is not just the intriguing plot, but the poetry of his sentences and the complexity of his characters that make his writings exceptional.
Its a classic that I always wanted to read.
It paints an interesting picture of early 20th century life in Salinas valley. The search by sons and fathers to understand each other and the struggle between brothers that are very different from one another are portrayed in powerfull ways.
I know this is a classic. But I had a hard time getting into the story and continuing to the end. It’s a dark bookk with dark characters. If you like that kind of book, you’ll like this book. Otherwise, I’d pass.
Classic tale of family, greed, envy, love, and hard won knowledge
Very good.
My favorite book of all time. Excellent final pages.
Pure Steinbeck from the first page. Beautiful and meaningful.
A classic
Though it is truly an american classic, it is so dark and disheartening I personally cannot give it a 5 star rating. Had to keep putting it down for periods of time because it was so depressing. Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors and a true genius, but his ability to hammer the reader with the sadness of life can be overwhelming. I do heartily recommend the book to any serious reader, but wouldn’t recommend it for people already suffering from depression.
Boring
I’m reading it again and am more impressed. I believe Steinbeck is the greatest American writer. Period.
John Steinbeck is too judgemental. His philosophies are dated.
A must read