A review by unfetteredfiction
East of Eden by John Steinbeck

adventurous challenging inspiring reflective medium-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

“And I feel that I am a man. And I feel that a man is a very important thing - maybe more important than a star. This is not theology. I have no bent towards gods. But I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed because ‘Thou mayest.’“

• John Steinbeck, East of Eden

This novel is full of treasure. It is full of humanity! Precious sentiment and reflection swaddled in the most compelling story I may have ever read. A masterpiece in the purest sense of the word. I’m somewhat devastated that it’s over. 

Salinas Valley is home to the Trasks and the Hamiltons. These families endure so much, and do so much. Their working and family lives are surrounded by those age old questions about choice, fate, good and evil. What makes a man truly good? Do we have any choice but to be bad? Can we be redeemed? The biblical tale of Cain and Abel is captured and reshaped by Steinbeck with Caleb and Adam and a host of other characters we come to know and love. Totally bowled over. 

I am not surprised that this story remains one of America’s most enduring novels.