Scan barcode
A review by donnyeatsbooks
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
East of Eden by John Steinbeck is the closest I’ll ever get to a religious experience.
With sweeping prose and impeccable insight into the human soul, Steinbeck weaves a story of love, loss, jealousy, guilt, and forgiveness that spans generations and transcends time.
It’s an allegorical tale that draws heavily from the Bible (specifically, the Book of Genesis) to illustrate its many themes, and it does so with the utmost humility; never once coming off as judgmental or self-righteous. In fact, at multiple points, Steinbeck challenges the Bible’s interpretation of morality and ponders the questions: What defines a good person? And can ‘good’ be explicitly defined at all?
The answer to the latter is, largely: No.
The human condition is infinitely complex, and this complexity is reflected in Steinbeck’s writing and in the characters themselves; some of whom behave irrationally and commit irreparable harm, but are still not below redemption.
And it’s this ultimate theme of redemption that makes East of Eden perhaps the most spiritually invigorating novel I’ve ever read. Its message isn’t a unique one, by any means, but John Steinbeck’s memorable characters, intricate storytelling, and many, many nuggets of wisdom (that I’ll be carrying with me for the rest of my life) make it all the more impactful.
With sweeping prose and impeccable insight into the human soul, Steinbeck weaves a story of love, loss, jealousy, guilt, and forgiveness that spans generations and transcends time.
It’s an allegorical tale that draws heavily from the Bible (specifically, the Book of Genesis) to illustrate its many themes, and it does so with the utmost humility; never once coming off as judgmental or self-righteous. In fact, at multiple points, Steinbeck challenges the Bible’s interpretation of morality and ponders the questions: What defines a good person? And can ‘good’ be explicitly defined at all?
The answer to the latter is, largely: No.
The human condition is infinitely complex, and this complexity is reflected in Steinbeck’s writing and in the characters themselves; some of whom behave irrationally and commit irreparable harm, but are still not below redemption.
And it’s this ultimate theme of redemption that makes East of Eden perhaps the most spiritually invigorating novel I’ve ever read. Its message isn’t a unique one, by any means, but John Steinbeck’s memorable characters, intricate storytelling, and many, many nuggets of wisdom (that I’ll be carrying with me for the rest of my life) make it all the more impactful.