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East of Eden

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( 561,402 ratings, 32,285 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
East of Eden by John Steinbeck explores the intertwined destinies of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, in California's Salinas Valley. The novel delves into themes of good and evil, choice, and the perpetual human struggle between light and darkness within ourselves. The narrative spans multiple generations, revealing deep familial conflicts and personal betrayals.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to sprawling, multi-generational family sagas set against the backdrop of California's rich landscape. It explores profound themes of good and evil, individual choice, and destiny, making it a deeply thought-provoking and emotional read.

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East of Eden

Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this title follows the interwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

East of Eden, John Steinbeck's most ambitious and engrossing novel, unfolds in the rich and fertile farmlands of the Salinas Valley, California. This powerful narrative paints a vivid portrait of human struggle and the enduring quest for identity, love, and redemption, all framed within a family saga that transcends generations. The novel masterfully weaves together the destinies of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, whose lives are intricately linked by the echoes of the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, and the harrowing rivalry of Cain and Abel.

In East of Eden, Steinbeck delves deep into the complexities of human nature, creating some of his most memorable and vividly drawn characters. He explores the perpetual battle between good and evil within individuals and the sometimes murky understanding of these forces. The narrative spans multiple generations, allowing readers to witness the inherited burdens and sins that the characters grapple with, and the inextricable ties of blood and history that bind them. This novel is not only a reflection on personal and familial strife but also a larger meditation on the human condition.

Steinbeck's narrative prowess is on full display as he examines the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the devastating consequences of love's absence. His prose brings to life the rugged beauty of the Salinas Valley and the internal landscapes of his characters' minds. The novel's thematic depth is matched by its emotional intensity, making East of Eden a timeless exploration of humanity's most profound struggles and desires.

This edition of East of Eden honours Steinbeck's masterful storytelling and his unparalleled ability to capture the universal truths of human experience. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Steinbeck or a new reader, this novel promises a compelling journey through the intertwined fates of the Trasks and the Hamiltons, offering a deeply moving testament to the enduring power of literature.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

East of Eden by John Steinbeck is often praised for its complex characters, vivid storytelling, and deep exploration of themes like good versus evil. Critics highlight its richly detailed narrative and its portrayal of human nature. The book is considered a masterpiece that offers profound insights into family dynamics and moral struggles.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141394893

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 April 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by David Wyatt

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 387g

Pages: 720

About the Author

John Steinbeck (1902-68) is remembered as one of the greatest and best-loved American writers of the twentieth century. During the 1930s, his works included The Red Pony, Pastures of Heaven, Tortilla Flat, In Dubious Battle, and Of Mice and Men. The Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939, earned him a Pulitzer Prize. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

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