R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 7/11/2010 + 1436 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

"Timshel," thou mayest, sums this wonderful saga that follows three generations of the Trask and Hamilton families. Carl Sandburg called it, "A moving, crying pageant, with wilderness strengths." It is that and so much more. Steinbeck does an outstanding job of writing about the families including the good and the bad, the strengths and weaknesses, their successes and their failures. There are many bits of wisdom thrown into the tale. "Timshel" is uttered by Adam Trask as he lies paralyzed by a stroke. It was Samuel Hamilton's comment as well remembered so fondly by both Lee and Adam when the three discussed the story of Abel and Cain. Adam, Lee and Samuel are three of the most memorable and honorable characters. Cathy is memorable, too, but for the evil that she fosters on those who encounter her. Bits of wisdom come from Lee who observes that those who are good seem to reap little monetarily in life while those who are evil gain riches. The very humanness of the characters makes the book enjoyable. They live and die, they love and hate, they lie and steal, and they are just like us. If you read this saga, grab a copy of Steinbeck's Journal of a Novel to read at the same time. A great story.

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