Rating: 5/5

Review:

I absolutely loved this book. John Steinbeck is officially one of my favorite authors. So many people have recommended East of Eden to me, and I finally got around to reading it. I am so glad I did because it truly is a remarkable book and absolutely deserves its place among the great American classics.

Steinbeck’s writing is effortlessly beautiful. You can’t help but be in awe of the way he describes everything, from the landscape to something as simple as stormy weather. His descriptions are so vivid that you feel completely immersed in the world he creates. The characters were also incredible—I loved each of them. Steinbeck writes them with so much depth and humanity that they feel like real people, complete with their own flaws, struggles, and complexities. Lee will forever hold a special place in my heart and was probably my favorite character in the entire book.

One of the most interesting questions Steinbeck explores is whether we have the ability to choose between good and evil or whether our lives are predetermined for us. The novel’s exploration of free will and the choices we make is one of my favorite aspects of the story. The ending is also incredibly fitting and brings the story together beautifully.

While the book is lengthy, it is 100% worth reading. You become invested in these families and get to watch their lives and relationships evolve across generations, while also seeing the world around them change.

Trust me—you have to read this book! If nothing else, read it because it is one of the most remarkable American classics I have ever experienced. But I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with Steinbeck just like I did.