Book Reviews of East of Eden

I grew up knowing about John Steinbeck and his book The Grapes of Wrath as I am a daughter of an Okie (my father) and was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley, just south of the Salinas Valley where East of Eden takes place. The movie, The Grapes of Wrath was filmed near Bakersfield where I lived for 30 years so that bit of trivia was always coming up in the media or newspapers. So I keep asking myself why did I never read Steinbeck? I loved the movies that were made and I've always known that any book you read is much better than the movie. East of Eden is one of the rare books I give a 5-star rating to. The story, being historical and dating back to the late 1800's, could have taken place in 2009. If references to mode of transportation, communication, and architecture were missing from the book the charachters could be your next door neighbor today. This book was wonderful with so many unique characters and the Cain and Abel aspect, and gives you pause to examine your own angels and demons. It's a big book but I read it in just a few days because I did not want to put it down. Off to another Steinbeck!

Simply the best book I've ever read. A big family saga, but so much more. Philosophy, religion, the American dream and so much more about small town life in 20th century California. All wrapped up in a retelling of the story of Adam and Eve. Plus just beautiful writing. I've read it at least three times and will read it again.

Read like it could have been written today - timeless and fantastic!

Long, long, ultra long! You can't deny the artistry of the writing, but this family was just too dysfunctional and cruel. Difficult to read.

This is currently my favorite book that I have ever read. It's so captivating. It's a very long book, true, but it spans quite a bit of time. The plot is interesting but it is the characters that will make you unable to put this novel down. As I finished reading the last page, I found myself missing the wise words of Sam Hamilton and Lee. I cried and I laughed and loved every page. Makes you realize that the choices you make, make you the person you are. Timshel :)

At times I couldn't put it down; at other times I thought he'd never get to the point. Certainly does give one pause to think about good vs. evil, nurture vs. nature, and free will vs, fate.

This is a great saga. I could feel the characters successes and failures as if I were in the family. Overall, it was a great book that I didn't want to put down until I finished it.

If you like Steinbeck, this book is great! Be prepared for Steinbeck style writing with LOTS and lots of detail. A wonderful book though.

As gripping today as when I read it in the 50's. An Oprah Book Club selection a few months back as well--good choice Oprah! The movie boasted a brilliant cast all of whom kept me mesmermized till the final scene.
5 Stars!

Ugh; This book was too long, focused too much on details, and was an excellent example of setting overload while remaining dry enough to fall asleep!

East of Eden was originally published in 1952, and the setting for the novel is the late 19th and early 20th century. I still enjoyed reading East of Eden though, because there are timeless themes presented in this book. Sibling rivalry, guilt, and betrayal are some of the main themes in this book. It was ironic and interesting to read how 2 sets of brothers from different generations compete for the approval and love of their father.

This classic was read by our book club recently. What a wonderful discussion we had about the characters and times in California's Salinas Valley. It takes you through the saga of a family and a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis.

Great book. An Oprah Book Club Selection

Brilliant piece of work. Like anything this ambitious, it is imperfect, but it has more than enough charm to make up for it. Steinbeck felt this was his best, and I agree.

Excellent book.

I lived this book. I could no put it down. Some things never changed.

I read this with Oprah's book club & loved it. Definately not light reading but it will be a book you never forget.

Great book!

What can I say.... Opera reccomended it!

new condition. just like it just came from the Walmart. Never read past first few pages

Great book a true classic.

Anything on Opray's Book Club is good. And this is. John Steinbeck at his best. I love the picture of the author on the back cover!

I enjoyed this book very much and have passed it to many friends. A classic that should be read more than once.

Set in the rich California farmland of Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutel novel follows the intertwined destinies of 2 families, the Trasks and the Hamniiltons, whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Able.

This is a favorite of mine. A great read, it has it all...family, love and the ups and downs of life.

Very deep and intense. I loved this book!

A Classic must read.

Although the heart of this novel is very compelling, it needed serious editing to cut out the fat. :-)

I had a hard time with this book in the beginning, but I stuck with it and was pleased overall.

One of the best !

I was never one for classics but this is fantastic!

A classic that everyone should read.

This is a must read.It is awsome.Oprah rally knows how to pick them.

Classic book from the 50's and a symbolic recreation of the biblical story of Cain and Abel woven into a history of California's Salinas Valley. Spanning the period between the American Civil War and the end of World War I, the novel highlights the conflicts of two generations of brothers; the first being the kind, gentle Adam Trask and his wild brother Charles. Adam eventually marries Cathy Ames, an evil, manipulative, and beautiful prostitute; she betrays him, joining Charles on the very night of their wedding. Later, after giving birth to twin boys, she shoots Adam and leaves him to return to her former profession. In the shadow of this heritage Adam raises their sons, the fair-haired, winning, yet intractable Aron, and the dark, clever Caleb. This second generation of brothers vie for their father's approval. In bitterness Caleb reveals the truth about their mother to Aron, who then joins the army and is killed in France. --

An epic novel set in the Salinas Valley of California written in 1952,
which traces the sometimes-intertwined lives of the Trask family and the Hamilton families. The Hamilton side was based on Steinbeck's family. The Trask side is an allegory based on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and their sons. Adam Trask's two sons, Cal and Aaron are loosely reminiscent of Cain and Abel.

The character study is stellar. Individuals struggle with good and evil within themselves and most grow as a result. "I have wondered why it is that some people are less affected and torn by the verities of life and death than other's." The intricacies of the relationships and the mesmirizing affect of one person on the other is masterful.

No wonder Steinbeck considered this his masterpiece.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

Oprah deciding Steinbeck is good. What truly miserable times we live in.

Excellent, indispensable Steinbeck tome. Paperback is the gorgeous "Steinbeck Centennial Edition."

5 STARS

I have not read this, I have 2 copies though.

This book is not the Oprah's Book Club Edition, but the cover is the same.

I did not really enjoy this book it was to small detailed.

I rpomised this and waited so long it got cancelled! Sorry! I am mailing it and wanted to repost it for credit...Thanks!