East of Eden
By John Steinbeck
- Release Date: 2002-02-05
- Genre: Classics
Description
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 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.
Reviews
The pure present.
5By nayla_dalilJohn Steinbeck’s surgical decomposition of the first few crucial lines of Genesis hence adapted, transformed and recreated in a compelling narrative adheres strongly to our never-ending present, mirroring exactly our own follies, virtues, flaws and confessions in every character, from Samuel Hamilton's raw pure nature to Cathy's ruthless methods of self-preservation. The dual emerging nature and warfare of twins, Eastern moral understanding through Lee and the constant death and rebirth of Adam makes this work of literature transcend the confines of our primitive understanding of Good and Evil and endure whatever cycle of humanity repeats itself.A must read!
5By tyler_hernandez98I’m trying to read every book on Jordan Peterson’s book list and I’m so glad I was directed to this book! What an amazing read and I will recommend it to everyone!Gold
5By VonBuckmasterGets better every time I read itAmazing
5By josh123cv.So powerful
5By stgoldb99Excellent book.Meh
3By FangsoutA lot of character development just to fizzle out in the end.Incredible
5By MamaBell2East of Eden is my favorite book. The themes of good and evil and free will were so beautifully explored. I fell in love with the characters, the plot, the descriptions of the landscape, and the masterful storytelling.Epic novel
5By DanJazzPianoThis is a masterpiece of a book, epic in its scope of characters, times and story. It mirrors the story of Cain and Abel lightly, but enough to help us see this is the story of all of us.Loved it!
5By MJW6506It’s not often for me when classic literature crosses with easy read, but this was it for me. Beautiful story.My favorite.
5By OzcromeIt may become one of your favorites.An inspirational journey traveled through time
5By Not "outta time"East of Eden has been on my ‘must read’ list for quite some time. This book transforms family characters into common people flawed with genetic personality faults that make each character unique and common to relate to. The town described takes you to that time and inspires readers to follow along the journey of life, family, and sorrows that come from living life to the fullest. No great story is told without love through the pain felt of experiencing and the greater pain felt of losing it.East of Eden
5By Dead womanOne of my all time favorites. A book that truly makes you think.Great read with a great ending
4By NikolyzerCons: an overly developed and overly Satanized character which could have been developed and done with in 1/12th of the time... I basically stopped reading this book 3 times because I was disturbed, and give one star off because the character was perhaps overdone. Overall great read and an interesting take on original sin, and overcoming fate/hardshipsEast of Eden
5By David MarianiI read it 40 years ago... It is a classic. I needed to age to appreciate the brilliance of the writing. David W. MarianiBook
5By B.BroodingThis is one of my favourite books! At the beginning I was to sure about it but once you start reading more you can't put it down!A Great Classic
5By DwardengEast of Eden is a 20th century masterpiece. Steinbeck uses his characters and background to create a realistic portrayal of human struggle. Sometimes brutal, sometimes hopeful, it's a broad, deep, sprawling epic.Love This Book
5By AurihunterOne of my absolute favsGreat.Book.
5By Lacey D.J.Now I read this book starting October of my eighth grade year (I am a rising ninth grader)and it has shaped my subconscious and affected my life to an undescribable magnitude. I watched the movie and immediately descended upon the school library to scope it out (I honsestly do not think that anyone checked out that book before since it looked so fresh and virginal). I was shocked that every character connected to my soul, from Cal to Lee to Adam. I will never forget this book, for it sits peacefully in the back of my mind for futher reference.Phenomenal!
5By Tweedle D.Steinbeck takes history and makes it his own.
