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Book Review of East of Eden

East of Eden
East of Eden
Author: John Steinbeck
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 17 more book reviews


An epic novel set in the Salinas Valley of California written in 1952,
which traces the sometimes-intertwined lives of the Trask family and the Hamilton families. The Hamilton side was based on Steinbeck's family. The Trask side is an allegory based on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and their sons. Adam Trask's two sons, Cal and Aaron are loosely reminiscent of Cain and Abel.

The character study is stellar. Individuals struggle with good and evil within themselves and most grow as a result. "I have wondered why it is that some people are less affected and torn by the verities of life and death than other's." The intricacies of the relationships and the mesmirizing affect of one person on the other is masterful.

No wonder Steinbeck considered this his masterpiece.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont