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carmellekoren's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The book was very well put together, every description, dialogue, and inner thought was relevant to the themes. I think I would have appreciated it more if I had a little more background on the biblical stories of the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, etc. but the points came across just as well. Some of the characters were lovable, some very complicated and hatable, some I wanted more from. This felt like a good intro to Steinbeck for me, I’m sure I’ll be looking for more in the future.
literate_cam's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thomas_skori's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kyo_o's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nadijya's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
terrortwilight's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and War
Minor: Sexual violence, Abortion, and Self harm
amayafirme's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.5
this book is so sad but even more interesting. i felt that it was veryyy long but the shocking and surprising events kept pulling me back in. i grew very attached to certain characters. the ending made me feel sad and unfulfilled and yet i'm not sure it would have made sense for the book to end any other way.
cassreadshere's review against another edition
5.0
East of Eden is a book I’ve put off reading for years, partially due to its intimidating size, and partially because the blurb just never attracted me.
This book is a masterpiece, a retelling of Cain and Abel through two generations of brothers. John Steinbeck is masterful in his storytelling.
This story explores the nature of good versus evil, of freedom, love, and triumph over darkness. At its core, East of Eden is about a complicated family dynamic repeated for generations.
Unlike his father before him, Adam Trask is not trying to pit his sons against each other. He is a well-intended man struggling to always do the right thing but human nature makes this an almost impossible task.
What I loved most about this book was despite the real tragedies, and setbacks all the character face, in the end, Cal is able to have hope and change for the better. His characterization was so lovely and heartening to me. Even thinking he is doomed to be evil and unloved, he still tries and longs for goodness. Unlike the other characters, Cal battles his inner darkness. To me, this makes him the most ‘good’ and the most human of all.
This book is a masterpiece, a retelling of Cain and Abel through two generations of brothers. John Steinbeck is masterful in his storytelling.
This story explores the nature of good versus evil, of freedom, love, and triumph over darkness. At its core, East of Eden is about a complicated family dynamic repeated for generations.
Unlike his father before him, Adam Trask is not trying to pit his sons against each other. He is a well-intended man struggling to always do the right thing but human nature makes this an almost impossible task.
What I loved most about this book was despite the real tragedies, and setbacks all the character face, in the end, Cal is able to have hope and change for the better. His characterization was so lovely and heartening to me. Even thinking he is doomed to be evil and unloved, he still tries and longs for goodness. Unlike the other characters, Cal battles his inner darkness. To me, this makes him the most ‘good’ and the most human of all.
dominicwong's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.”
Obviously nothing short of a masterpiece. A sweeping, multi-generational story that is woven with truth, and contains a gravity that transcends the novel to something bible-adjacent. An intelligent classic and the sharpest of page turners - this book is worth all the time in the world. Also the best character is Chinese.
kebica_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75