East of Eden (Oprah's Book Club)
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List Price: $16.00 Amazon.com Price: $9.60 
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Product Details
- Media: Paperback
- Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) (18 June, 2003)
- ISBN: 0142004235
- Average Customer Review:
Based on 50 reviews.
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Amazon.com Sales Rank: 9
Customer Reviews
My review of East Of EdenEast of Eden was originally published in 1952, and the setting for the novel is the late 19th and early 20th century. I still enjoyed reading East of Eden though, because there are timeless themes presented in this book. Sibling rivalry, guilt, and betrayal are some of the main themes in this book. It was ironic and interesting to read how 2 sets of brothers from different generations compete for the approval and love of their father.
There are many memorable characters with strong personalities in East of Eden. I loved the complex character of Cathy. She is a whore who shoots her husband and abandons her family. This incident leaves her husband Adam shattered and confused in the beginning of the story. I loved how Adam becomes a stronger person and a better father later in the book. I loved the supporting character named Lee in this novel. He is a loyal servant to the patriarch Adam Trask. He is also the primary caretaker to Adam Trask's sons Caleb and Aron.
I loved reading about the development of the characters especially the twins Caleb and Aron. Caleb is the curious, brave, independent, strong willed sibling who has dark thoughts. His brother Aron is the sensitive, studious one. The contrast between their personalities is very interesting. The most intense part of the book is when Caleb learns of the existence of his mother and confronts her.
East of Eden becomes a very predictable book about a third of the way in, but it is still a wonderfully written book. I simply loved the evolution of the characters especially Adam. East of Eden has themes of sibling rivalry, guilt, betrayal, loss, and the American dream of getting ahead and raising a family that are still relevant in society today. I enjoyed it very much.
My favorite book EVER -- changed my life
I'm so pleased Oprah chose this book. I feel it's overshadowed by "Grapes of Wrath" yet so much more powerful. Take the time to get through the first part of the book about the history of the land and region where the book takes place -- it's well worth it to get to the meat of the story. The story follows generations of a family repeating the same cycle of hurt and betrayal parallel to the story of Cain and Abel in the Bible (you only need a cursory knowledge of the biblical story to understand). It's a gripping story, but the message of the book is all about personal choice, how life may throw us curve balls but it is up to us individually to decide how we cope and CHOOSE to live. I read this book almost 20 years ago and it changed the way I view life. More than anything, this book is very empowering and challenges readers to be responsible for actions, or lack thereof, in their lives.
One of the best novels I¿ve ever read
I am NOT - repeat - NOT a reader. But I've just discovered 2 books that knocked my socks off. One fiction; one non-fiction. The non-fiction, Make Every Girl Want You, showed me how women want to be treated; the fiction book, East of Eden, was BETTER than Of Mice & Men & Grapes of Wrath. Although maybe that's because I was FORCED to read the others back in high school! I loved the biblical references throughout this piece of art. It takes place between the Civil War & World War I, & features 2 sets of brothers. I guess I can really relate to this because I have 2 brothers, I we have gone through similar circumstances (although, luckily, in times of peace, not war). Anyway, great read - Kudos to Oprah. I couldn't put it down, & I'm not typically one to read novels!
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