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Search - East of Eden
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East of Eden Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover
Book Description:
In his journal, 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.
Adam Trask came to California from the East to farm and raise his family on the new, rich land. But the birth of his twins, Cal and Aron, brings his wife to the brink of madness, and Adam is left alone to raise his boys to manhood. One boy thrives, nurtured by the love of all those around him; the other grows up in loneliness, enveloped by a mysterious darkness.
Adam Trask came to California from the East to farm and raise his family on the new, rich land. But the birth of his twins, Cal and Aron, brings his wife to the brink of madness, and Adam is left alone to raise his boys to manhood. One boy thrives, nurtured by the love of all those around him; the other grows up in loneliness, enveloped by a mysterious darkness.
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Top Member Book Reviews
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Read like it could have been written today - timeless and fantastic!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
Laurie P. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
Zachary N. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great book. An Oprah Book Club Selection
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Please Rate these Book Reviews
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!
Joyce S. (Excellent, indispensable Steinbeck tome. Paperback is the gorgeous "Steinbeck Centennial Edition."
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.
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.
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.
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