Reviews - East of Eden | The StoryGraph

11k reviews for:

East of Eden

John Steinbeck

4.46 AVERAGE

mayaba's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sgleass24's review against another edition

3.5

dark emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

b_acebo's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

My all time favorite

scoobydoovitamin's review against another edition

5.0

ok listen i wasn’t into it for the first 60 pages but then i was HOOKED. CATHY IS FUCKING INSANE

academicaries's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

After reading this, I truly understand why Steinbeck is considered one of the greatest novelists of his country. His story is a genealogical epic, inspired by the biblical myth of Cain and Abel. The stories of the two families, the Hamiltons and the Trasks, weave together artfully, eliciting a deep connection with their lives. The prose is sober and pensive, capable of describing mundane actions with profundity and clarity—from the dots one sees during the dark to the "indescribable color" of the rich earth. Each chapter contains sub-sections that are plainly numbered, which allow for breaks and pauses to digest its events.

Furthermore, this is not just a biblical epic, but an American one. Steinbeck carves a loving image of it before and during the war, from the country life, the blossoming of cities like Salinas, and describing the daily ordeals an average citizen should endure during that time. Its characters are as rich as its scenery; it's hard for any reader to dislike characters such as Lee or Samuel. However, marginalized communities may find this story hard to digest at times, given the author's use of racial slurs that were present and common during those times.

This story is rightfully lauded, masterfully crafted, and unique with its theme and scope.

Content Warnings