East of Eden by John Steinbeck
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Book Reviews of East of Eden
Book Review: Steinbeck meets Dostoevsky in "East of Eden"
Summary: 5 Stars
Is is possible that Netflix may boost literacy? I just did a Netflix mini-retrospective look at James Dean's films: "Rebel Without a Cause," "Giant" and "East of Eden." Watching the complex story of "East of Eden," reminded me that I had never read the Steinbeck novel from which the film was adapted. This came as a surprise to me, since I am a huge fan of Steinbeck's writings and have long considered "The Grapes of Wrath" among my favorite novels. So, I embarked on reading the novel. I was expecting it to be good; I was unprepared for the depth of the writing and the brilliant insight into human nature that marked Steinbeck's writing at this stage of his career. In my opinion, if he had never written another novel besides "East of Eden," he would have been worthy of the Nobel Prize that he won in 1962.
The story is a complex and very moving modern setting of the Cain and Abel story told at multiple levels through several generations of the Trask family. Adam and Charles Trask lay the groundwork for the narrative by vying for the affection of their father, an ersatz Civil War hero who carved out a reputation and a fortune by misrepresenting the role that he played in key battles of the War Between the States. The saga continues into its main section with Adam's two sons - Cal and Aron - struggling to please him. Adam is raising them as a single father - with the not inconsiderable help from Lee, the live-in Chinese cook - after his wife abandoned the family shortly after giving birth to the twins.
The most profound musings that stand as the intellectual and spiritual center of the novel are found exactly halfway through the narrative. The setting is that Lee, the Chinese cook, is having a theological discussion with a neighbor, Samuel. The crux of the discussion bears on varying translations of Genesis 4:7, in which God addresses Cain and implores him to overcome the temptation to sin. Lee describes the result of two years' of study by elders in the Chinese community who had undertaken to understand the issue in all of its subtleties:
"After two years we felt we could approach your sixteen verses of the fourth chapter of Genesis. My old gentlemen felt that these words were very important too - 'Thou shalt not' and 'Do thou.' And this was the gold from our mining: 'Thou mayest.' 'Thou mayest rule over sin.' The old gentlemen smiled and nodded and felt the years were well spent. It brought them out of their Chinese shells, too, and right now they are studying Greek.
Samuel said: 'It is a fantastic story. And I've tried to follow and maybe I've missed somewhere. Why is this word so important?'
Lee's hand shook as he filled the delicate cups. He drank his down in one gulp. 'Don't you see?' he cried. 'The American Standard translation orders men to triumph over sin, and you can call sin ignorance. The King James translation makes a promise in "Thou shalt not." meaning that men will surely triumph over sin. But the Hebrew word, the word timshel -"Thou mayest" - that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if "Thou mayest" it is also true that "Thou mayest not."
"Yes, I see. I do see. But you do not believe this is divine law. Why do you feel its importance?"
"Ah!" said Lee. "I've wanted to tell you this for a long time. I even anticipated your questions and am well prepared. Any writing which has influenced the thinking and the lives of innumerable people is important. Now, there are many millions in their sects and churches who feel the order 'Do thou,' and throw their weight into obedience. And there are millions more who feel predestination in 'Thou shalt.' Nothing they may do can interfere with what will be. But 'Thou mayest'! Why, that makes a man great, then gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he still has the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win." Lee's voice was a chant of triumph.
Adam said, "Do you believe that, Lee?"
"Yes, I do. Yes, I do. It is easy out of laziness, out of weakness, to throw oneself into the lap of deity, saying, 'I couldn't help it; the way was set.' But think of the glory of the choice! That makes a man a man. A cat has no choice, a bee must make honey. There's no godliness there. And do you know, those old gentlemen who were sliding gently down to death are too interested to die now?" (Pages 301-2)
Steinbeck's argument reminded me of the exquisite Grand Inquisitor passage in Dostoevsky's magnum opus, "The Brothers Karamazov." The Inquisitor confronts a Christ who has returned to earth during the Spanish Inquisition and excoriates him for having condemned mankind to freedom of choice. Both Steinbeck and Dostoevsky are delving into levels that represent the quantum physics of the soul. This is great literature - writing that combines story telling as an art form with profound examination of the human condition.
Even in the age of Netflix and Grand Theft Auto IV, there is still room for great writing - and great reading.
Enjoy!
Al
Book Review: A Simply Amazing Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first found myself assigned the task of reading East Of Eden, I was intimidated by its length and wondering about its significance and how impressive would be. When I finished the entire novel, there were no doubts in my mind about its ability to apply to all humanity and meld the Bible into the lives of ordinary people. I was absolutely entranced by this book. It is a masterfully crafted work of literature that deserves to be read and digested by all people, and is rightfully placed as a classic.
What makes East of Eden such a masterpiece is that author John Steinbeck melds the theme to fit all humans, no matter what their background is. Steinbeck brings the Biblical tale of brothers Cain and Abel to prominence in the novel, focusing on this Biblical allusion above the many others also used. The feuding brothers Charles and Adam Trask represent one generation of the Biblical duo, and Adam's sons Cal and Aron carry on the symbolism. Although readers are inclined to sympathize with the slain brother Abel the two characters that represent him in the novel (Adam and Aron), Steinbeck skillfully blends good and evil to give readers a sense of empathy for Charles and Cal, who do not receive the same degree of attention and devotion from their fathers that their brothers possess. Cal is the person who constantly feels the need to change his environment, which in effect leads to harm, yet he is genuinely searching for love and recognition from his father Adam Trask. Using this situation as a major conflict in the novel, Steinbeck emphasizes the importance of love to all human beings and the need for love, and the dangers resulting from deprived love.
At certain chapters, Steinbeck diverts from the story and delves into philosophical discussions about human nature and the themes circulating in the novel. It is in these chapters that he explicitly mentions the ideas and motifs placed throughout the book, and the chapters further enhance the uniqueness of East of Eden. A wide variety of other Biblical events and characters are represented in the story as well, including Jesus, Jacob, Adam and Eve, the garden of Eden, and many more. The entire story is not a stale Biblical parable like one would think it is, but is actually an intriguing tale with a number of different storylines crossing together that succeeds in keeping the attention of readers. The major element that keeps East of Eden exciting and enjoyable to read is the constant conflict between good and evil, involving characters such as the thoroughly villainous Cathy, the sagacious Samuel Hamilton, and the wise, soothing Lee. Steinbeck uses these contrasting characters to depict the neverending struggle between good and evil that pervades the story. It is this battle that makes East of Eden such a constantly appealing book that all people can relate to. Steinbeck's skillful treatment of characters, conflicts and the themes of struggling for love and avoiding extreme actions succeed in making any reader interested and feeling relation to the characters. The message of the novel is best embodied through the character of Lee, the intellectual servant who introduces the word "Timshel", meaning "thou mayest", indicating that people are able to have control over personal futures, and carrying the story's idea that all people can choose their own paths in life. The strength of the book comes from its ability to apply to all people, which is what, according to Lee, the best stories are able to do.
The writing styles used by John Steinbeck in East of Eden are truly remarkable and something to admire. Steinbeck's skill in describing a scene or object in fresh and exciting methods and his ability to narrate in a dry voice that still captures the attention of readers is what makes the book enjoyable. When touching upon the themes in those certain chapters, Steinbeck writes as if he were engaged in actual conversation with readers, and immerses them into his explanations. To add humor to the novel, Steinbeck intersperses the narration with sharp and insightful comments about human nature and the motivations and actions of people. For much of the book, Steinbeck's language is simple but conveys deep meaning and accurately paints the images of the novel in a way that is easy for people to comprehend. Readers may feel that East of Eden is far too long to be read quickly, but the storylines and conflicts will keep readers hooked and eager to delve into the story and analysis.
Overall, East of Eden is a deeply entertaining novel that accurately reveals human nature and the difficulties and trials surrounding the lives of human beings. Steinbeck efficiently blends in Biblical characters and themes and elevates the struggles of ordinary people to as religious level that has relevance for all people. Such an accomplishment is rarely achieved by any author, making East of Eden a unique novel that is interesting to read and discuss.
Book Review: Compelling, Powerful, Timeless
Summary: 5 Stars
Powerful, Compelling, Timeless
John Steinbeck's East of Eden is a powerful novel that takes an in-depth look at the inward struggle of good vs. evil that goes on within all people. Set in the 1930s, East of Eden is a vivid and realistic portrayal of life in the southwest during that time. This novel deserves as much praise as its predecessor Grapes of Wrath.
The characters that Steinbeck created in his novel are strong and intriguing. While the plotline lagged at times, the characters compelled me to continue reading. Three of the best drawn and most important characters in the story are Adam, Cal, and Cathy. Adam is an army veteran. He has a good heart, and an innocent outlook which leads him to marry a woman who not only doesn't love him, but eventually shoots him and leaves him for dead. His son Cal also has a good heart, but he often struggles with it and finds himself praying to be more like his brother Aron, who never experiences any kinds of inner turmoil. Cathy is Adam's wife, and from her first appearance in the book is described as a cold hearted monster. On pg.95 Steinbeck writes while introducing her character, "I believe there are monsters born in the world to human parents. Some you can see misshapen and horrible, with huge heads or tiny bodies... And just as there are physical monsters, can there not be mental or psychic monsters born? The face and body may be perfect but if a twisted gene or a malformed egg can produce physical monsters, may not the same process produce a malformed soul?" While Cathy is well developed, her character is never totally understood. For example, what drives her and where her unremorseful cruelty comes from is never revealed, it is only suggested that these were characteristics that she was born with, not characteristics that developed over time. Steinbeck writes of her on pg.96 "It is my belief that Cathy Ames was born with the tendencies, or lack of them, which drove and forced her all her life."
One of the most interesting things about East of Eden, is its new spin on two of the words most ancient biblical stories; Adam and Eve, and Cain and Abel. Adam and Eve is about the first two humans and their banishment from the garden of Eden after disobeying God. In East of Eden, Adam and Cathy's relationship parallels that of Adam and Eve. In the book Adam moves a pregnant Cathy to Salinas Valley, California, where he buys a huge plot of land and begins to create a gigantic garden on it. But when Cathy decides that she can no longer stand her life with Adam, she leaves him, which subsequently results in the deterioration of the garden that Adam was trying to make. Adam loses his Eve, (Cathy) and because of it, his garden and life turn from heavenly to hellish.
Cain and Abel is about two brothers who both make an offering to God, but only one of the offerings, Abel's, is accepted, while Cain is told to do better. Feeling that he's been rejected by God, Cain becomes angry and kills Abel. In East of Eden, the relationships of both Adam and Charles, and Cal and Aron, parallel that of Cain and Abel. Charles becomes jealous and attempts, (though does not succeed,) to kill his brother Adam with a hatchet because their father loves him more. Cal becomes jealous of Aron for the same reason, only in this case Cal's actions towards his brother are indirectly responsible for his death. In both situations the breaking point occurred when the fathers either preferred one of their son's gifts over the other's, or rejected one of their son's gifts while accepting the other son's. Taking these two stories, (Adam and Eve, and Cain and Abel) which some people can't connect with, and weaving them into a plot with characters which the reader can't help but connect with, was very captivating.
A main theme in this novel is relationships, mainly those between fathers and sons, and brothers. Steinbeck did a wonderful job writing an honest account of the jealousy that can arise between siblings as a result of having a parent who favors one of them over the other. The various emotions and driving factors that were touched on while exploring these relationships were true to form and something that anyone who has brothers or sisters can personally understand.
East of Eden was moving and left a solid imprint in my mind. Steinbeck succeeded in writing an unforgettable novel. It is truly worthy of a second read.
Book Review: Amazing Epic Retelling
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is amazing. I never tire of the plot or characters, but while the story is extremely enjoyable, it is the compelling characters that Steinbeck created that truly give the book its merit.
As the excerpts on the book covers suggest, East of Eden is a loose epic retelling of the Biblical stories of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Set in the Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, the novel involves the Trasks and the Hamiltons, telling of three generations of these families. The introduction to East of Eden is, while not as intriguing and momentous as the rest of the book, still successful in drawing in the reader. It is easy to understand both the story and the characters because of Steinbeck's simply composed sentences, though the characters introduced in the beginning have less depth than later characters. Because Steinbeck weaves over three separate stories in one novel, his plot may seem disarrayed and confusing at times. Ultimately, however, this contributes to the wonderful reading experience, as the reader is able to experience multiple stories involving contrasting characters and different paces. The book never gets sluggish or monotonous, because of the overlapping plotlines.
East of Eden is such an incredible book because the depth of the characters causes the reader to feel a wide array of emotions. Cal, for instance, is possibly the most appealing and intriguing character in the entire novel, despite Steinbeck's continual assertion that nobody likes the dark, secretive boy. Everyone can relate to Cal and his struggle to overcome the evil quality inside himself, and emerge "good" like his twin brother Aron. Everyone can understand Cal's desire to be accepted, his desire to be loved and appreciated. Everyone knows what Cal is going through when he tries to vindicate himself by trying to get revenge on those who favor his brother. He is jealous and he is vengeful, but he is also loving and sensitive. Cal's complexity makes the second half of the novel so wonderful to read- his progress from a dark little boy to a mature, caring young man is amazing. Steinbeck's characterization is excellent, but he also writes scenes in which Cal and Aron are simply innocent, curious boys, rather than profound, universal characters part of an epic tale. East of Eden is so easy to relate to, but it is also a fantastic ambitious saga.
One of the most common criticisms of the book is that the main antagonist, Cathy, is an unrealistic one-dimensional character, but she is, in fact, a complex character, as she embodies several types of evil, rather than just cruelty or insanity. She is written very sophisticatedly; if her severe lack of humanity and warmth seems unrealistic, it is because, in comparison with the other characters, Cathy is blatantly evil. There is no other character as depraved as Cathy in the story; even Charles desires love and displays fondness for his Adam, and Cal ultimately chooses goodness. Besides, Cathy does show brief episodes of weakness, which obviously show that she is somewhat human and not just an antagonist who opposes the protagonists and then suddenly disappears. The book begins to move at a faster pace when she is introduced, and as her mind disintegrates, the reader is left to wonder what her true level of humanity is, and whether she should be pitied. Cathy is one of the most fascinating characters in the book, because the nature of her wickedness is so intense that it easily heightens the suspense of the story.
Though I only touched on the more prominent aspects of East of Eden, the entire book is worth reading multiple times. Every single character is unique, realistic, and wonderful in some way. The plot is extensive, but there are so many different facets to explore, especially because Steinbeck elaborates on universal themes such as light versus dark, good versus evil, jealousy versus love. It is not be the simple plot that gives this book its wonderful quality, but the actual experience of reading through the history of the families and experiencing the multiple feelings this book incites that will make you fall in love with it.
Book Review: modern retelling of classic story
Summary: 5 Stars
What is so great and compelling about the stories of Genesis, that of Cain and Abel in particular, is that they are eternal. Steinbeck successfully conveys this in a modern retelling, where the reader can relate more successfully to all parties involved. He uses the helpful technique of telling the first story through Adam Trask's eyes, who plays the role of Abel. For the second generation, it is Aron (the Abel figure) who is now aloof and distant from us and we relate to and understand Cal (the Cain figure.) However, this is not the only story that is being told.At the same time is being woven in stories of love, human nature (and seemingly inhuman monstrosity,) betrayal, and pity. Steinbeck helps us understand these diverse characters by immersing us in them for what seems like years. This novel really feels like an epic to read, and although it seems to be impregnable and dragging, you finish feeling enlightened and wishing you could read it for the first time again.
Clearly the most important message Steinbeck wishes to convey is the element of human choice. No god or higher power of any sort compels you; your destiny is not predetermined. You have the choice to do good OR evil whatever your circumstance. We hope for Cal that he understands that he is not condemned by his mother's evil and his seemingly inherited hatred, and we also relate this precept to our own lives. For this reason, as well as its simple storytelling merits, I feel that East of Eden far outshines The Grapes of Wrath as a chronicle of the human condition.
Many don't understand Steinbeck's obsession with the Salinas Valley and if they do, they don't understand why they have to be subjected to reams of pages describing it and its inhabitants. Some reasons may include westward movement (i.e. struggling back to Eden) and also that it provides an effective parallel in many ways to a hard land that is east of Eden. This is no heavenly garden of Eden, but its inhabitants incessantly toil to overcome.
To understand about this and many other tools that Steinbeck employs, I highly recommend that with this book you read "Journal of a Novel: the Writing of East of Eden", (the name is something like that) In this journal Steinbeck would begin every day of writing with a journal entry to his dear friend and editor Pascal Covici. He makes obscure references to the book that necessitate constant referral back to the pages, but it is understandable enough. This journal is more useful in its function of helping the reader understand John Steinbeck and where he is coming from; his passion for invention, his own fears and love for his two young sons (in fact he wrote this for and about them,) and his feelings on contemporary subjects all show what a multi-talented and opinionated man he was. One of many gems in these pages is his discussion of children, and adults' attitudes toward them. He basically says that adults often discount the opinions and needs of children as fanciful and useless, because these adults have forgotten what it is like to be a child. On the contrary, Steinbeck says, adult thoughts only get more cloudy and jaded as they age, whereas the thought of children is pure, deep, and real, even if they can't always effectively communicate it.
So in addition to a helpful companion to East of Eden, Journal of a Novel is important life-reading in its own right.
Anyway, I highly recommend East of Eden and feel that any reader should lay aside a lot of time to read and re-read this complicated and moving novel. If you go too fast, you might miss something. In Journal of a Novel, Steinbeck effectively said with no reservations, "This is the one. Everything else I have written has been practice for this one." This "everything else" is a distinguished body of literature, so why don't we take Steinbeck at his word and confirm his quest for greatness, realized in this epic.