Submitted by mikaelnguyen t3_10ppbl1 in books
After many years planning to read and a lengthy reading process, I finally got through East of Eden. In my opinion, John Steinbeck’s magnum opus, is a thought provoking, emotional exercise. John Steinbeck’s subtle profound quotes cut through his impeccable use of imagery by stimulating all 5 senses with his words.
Like most books, there are highs and lows with pacing. I think that overall, the exhilarating highs definitely outweigh the lows, but the lows can really be a real slog. I found the story of Adam and Charles to be far more tantalizing than the story of Aaron and Caleb. I didn’t entirely dislike the last quarter of the book but I really did not like Aaron as a character.
The ending was a masterful example of how to finish a book. Although the discussion of naming Adam’s kids were in the middle of the book, I felt it appropriate to end the books tying back to the real start of Adam’s life.
8 folded page corners/10 📚
Combatfighter t1_j6m6pyh wrote
I also recently read East of Eden. I personally didn't find any issues with pacing, though I was questioning a bit of the purpose of the POV chapters of Kathy's bouncer/bodyguard.
Otherwise, I found it really good, and absolutely see why this is considered one of the greatest american novels. I loved Samuel and Lee especially as characters, both huge wells of wisdom. I found it interesting how I initially disliked Caleb a lot, but as the boys grew I found him more and more, well, human. It might align with Aaron POVs stopping and Caleb POVs starting, my copy is back at library so I cannot make sure if this is the case. Kathy is an amazing villain/antagonist.
Only thing I was a bit weirded out was a couple spots of body descriptions of female characters, that felt more descriptive and detailed than the male counterparts.