East of Eden

This is a luxurious read. Take it slow and let Steinbeck's mastery revitalize your mind. Anything I say will likely be perceived as absurd because I loved this book so much. Steinbeck is more than an author. This book is more philosophy than mere fiction. One might even classify it as allegorical in its exploration of deeply human and universal themes.

Everyone who reads this will likely get something wildly different out of it but one thing I think can be felt by all; this book epitomizes American literature. In fact, in the final chapters, Lee and Caleb discuss what it means to be American and it's brilliant. Not in the patriotic sense but in the core character of American rebellion and ingenuity and our sense of moral rightness (as held at the turn of the century). While much has changed in modern society, the values and evils and joys of American life are still prominent today.

One last note. I lived in Monterey, California, which sits just west of Salinas, where the bulk of this tale takes place. Steinbeck captures the charm and character of the setting so perfectly. He does so with a loving fondness that made me ache to spend more time in that wonderful county.