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belladonna_nectar t1_j6osvk5 wrote

Reply to comment by EAF_Gummy_Bear in Finally read East of Eden - Review and reflection by mikaelnguyen

I had mixed feelings while reading it: was mesmerized by the description of Salina Valley in the beginning and was thinking to myself "how comes I didn't discover this book earlier?", then felt a bit exhausted by the initial conflicts between the two brothers and Cathy's erratic behaviour, but after getting into it I couldn't stop.It took me like 2 weeks (?) to finish it, which is unusual when I dig a book. But I have an excuse, it's a pretty thick book lol. At times it can be a bit boring and unrealistic, but some of the characters and their dynamics make it the masterpiece that it is. Its rawness distinguish it from a lovely feel good novel with nice characters; it's relatable, almost palpable and larger than life. Imo its imperfections make it perfect, it's a fine balance that Steinbeck mastered

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mikaelnguyen OP t1_j6ox8c3 wrote

I absolutely agree Steinbeck’s imagery is some of the absolute best. For me personally, I absolutely enjoyed what happened between Adam, Charles and Kathy. I wasn’t to invested in Aaron and Caleb. The book is very long so it took me awhile too.

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belladonna_nectar t1_j6oxylt wrote

Uhm, I loved the whole book, only that at times Cathy's description was borderline unrealistic. I found Aaron and Caleb's development interesting to watch and Abra took the dynamics to a whole new level. Anyways, to think that people like them exist and strong bonds like theirs happen makes me wanna cry a bit. 🤷

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