East of Eden by John Steinbeck
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Book Reviews of East of Eden
Book Review: Troubling Steinbeck Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
I have no earthly notion why Oprah selected a Steinbeck work of this magnitude and scope to resurrect her book club. However, maybe without Oprah's generous promotional efforts, this particular work by John Steinbeck (1902-68) might have remained the obscure and enigmatic masterpiece that it is. Keen movie buffs will recall the attempt some thirty-odd (or more?) years ago to convert this novel into a movie [executed appropriately in funereal black and white, instead of in dazzling color ... despite the sunny brilliance of California's Salinas Valley]. The brooding actor James Dean had the role of brother Caleb, who vies for the affection and approval of his father, played imperially by Anthony Quinn. The movie version was not at all a box-office success mainly because, in my view, the story was so amazingly intricate and overwhelming with its ponderously convoluted psychological elements. The same is true about the novel: multi-layered in approach, tone, and structure, resulting in constant nervous tension and anguish. But then who would dare argue with a giant of such innovative literary artistry as Nobel Prize (1962) winning author John Steinbeck? At some point shortly after after the initial publication of this novel (1952), Steinbeck himself publically alluded to the "difficulty" (e.i.,complexity) of this powerfully dramatic work. He was totally pleased with his creation. And difficult, indeed, is this novel. I know I'm dating myself, but so what? Does anyone remember those essential Cliff Notes that regularly accompanied literary Master Works? Well, there was one for EAST OF EDEN. Believe me, this handy little yellow booklet proved indispensable to some readers 'back in the day.' A Masterful Read, so enjoy.Book Review: amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars
East of Eden was one of the most remarkable tales of betrayal, brotherhood, and just simply finding "yourself". John Steinback is a wonderful author and he caught me almost from the start with this book.
Most of all, I really enjoyed Steinback's style of writing. Just the way he writes makes you want to read more. First, there is Cathy, when you read about her it's almost like she is right there next to you. Growing up as a whore, she gets lost within strange thoughts, and is almost "devilish". After murdering her parents in a house fire, which was only the start of her terror, she runs off and isn't heard of for a long time.
Then there is Adam, an almost robotic man, who isn't alive or dead. He just exists. He is very much in love with Cathy and his life revolves around her. She has other ideas though. She cheats Adam on their wedding night and leaves him after her twin boys are born.
The two brothers relationship is also a very good example of Steinback's writing. They have a very realistic care towards each other. They would get a long very well, then get in a massive fight and one would leave.
Throughout the book, it was easy for me to "paint a picture" of exactly what is going on Whether it be the setting or characters, it was all very vivid.
The only downside for me was I had a difficult time getting into the book and following it at the beginning. But, honestly, once you start getting what is going on you won't be able to stop reading it. So that was the only thing I didn't like because it was a REALLY good book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys getting into books with style, great characters, and close to the realistic events that happen in life.
Book Review: This book would make Shakespeare proud!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished this novel. And I am totally speechless and in awe of Steinbeck's writing. I am also wondering why I have never read it before! This book would make Shakespeare proud! As most English Lit majors in college would know ~~ that Shakespeare is the world's most acclaimed playwright ~~ he writes about every emotion under the sun known to man and he makes the audience see and feel the stories that is very familiar to mankind. Steinbeck's East of Eden should be regarded in the same category. This may be a drama, but it is a reflection on humankind ~~ men who seeks to find the gold in their dreams and experience everything that is known to mankind. These men, Charles Trask, Adam Trask, Cal Trask, Aron Trask, Samuel Hamilton, Lee have sought happiness at their whim and some succeeded and others didn't. They reacted to whatever life throws their way ~~ either with strength and courage or with cowardice. No man is alike in this book and yet they are. Even the women handled things differently in this book. There is Cathy/Kate, the eternal whore and there is Abra Bacon, the eternal mother-figure. Please don't be discouraged by the long descriptive pages that Steinbeck employed to introduce his characters. They only serve to enrich the novel and make these people come alive between these pages and in your imagination. This is a classic book and it flows easily between the pages. It is also one of the most lyrical writing I have yet to read. Steinbeck's talent is that he makes people come alive and tell their stories of their struggles with guilt, sin and love. It is a book that will touch you immensely and you will not forget these people.
It's a definite must-read for any serious reader.
9-5-03
Book Review: Troubling Steinbeck Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
I have no earthly notion why Oprah selected a Steinbeck work of this magnitude and scope to resurrect her book club. However, maybe without Oprah's generous promotional efforts, this particular work by John Steinbeck (1902-68) might have remained the obscure and enigmatic masterpiece that it is. Keen movie buffs will recall the attempt some thirty-odd years ago (or more?) to convert this novel into a movie [executed appropriately in funereal black and white, instead of in dazzling color ... despite the sunny brilliance of California's Salinas Valley]. The brooding actor James Dean had the role of brother Caleb, who vies for the affection and approval of his father, played imperially by Anthony Quinn. The movie version was not at all a box-office success mainly because, in my view, the story was so amazingly intricate and overwhelming with its ponderously convoluted psychological elements. The same is true with the novel: multi-layered in approach, tone, and structure, resulting in constant nervous tension and anguish. But then who would dare argue with a giant of such innovative literary artistry as Nobel Prize (1962) winning writer John Steinbeck? At some point shortly after the initial publication of this novel (1952) Steinbeck himself alluded to the "difficulty" (e.i.,complexity) of this powerfully dramatic work. He was extremely pleased. And difficult it most certainly is. I know I'm dating myself, but so what? Does anyone remember those essential Cliff Notes that regularly accompanied literary Master Works? Well, there was one for EAST OF EDEN. Believe me, this handy little yellow booklet proved indispensable to many readers 'back in the day.' A Masterful Read!Book Review: Yeah, It's 5 Stars
Summary: 5 Stars
I enjoyed Steinbeck's big novel. I once lived not far from Salinas and the feel of the land and people came back to me.
The characters seem to live soap opera lives, though this novel could not have been faithfully filmed in 1952. Some of the language seems orotund, but Steinbeck is careful to put such talk in the mouths of exceptional "characters," purposefully stylized to carry the novel's ideas. (I wish I knew men like Samuel and Lee.)
Steinbeck's prose rarely draws attention to itself. You keep turning the pages because of the couplings, shootings, deaths and inspirations over three generations. I am uncertain if the casual style is to his credit. I think the book could have been better written, yet kept its commonplace language. But, how much can you change something before a new essence is created?
That question goes to the heart of this book. From the outset you know this work is highly ambitious. Genesis contributes symbols and nudges themes. For most of my life, I have brooded over events and tried to track down their causes. Are things pre-ordained or is volition real? Do people have an immutable nature or does the warp and woof of becoming change their being? This argument continues to rage and one can find it beneath many disputes in biology, religion and politics. As I read through the novel, I kept a mental balance sheet to see how Steinbeck would ultimately apportion it. Would the mark of Cain be passed on or would sweet love and reason triumph?
I am happy in the outcome. Neither side wins, but both remain on the field. It's an American ending from this most American of novelists.