East of Eden

An epic multi-generational story crafted as lose biblical retelling of Adam and Eve's fall to sin, and Cain and Abel's rivalry. Mixed with deep psychological and philosophical analysis of human spirit and motivations. There are characters who are plain evil, characters who are plain good, and then there are the more interesting characters in between, who grapple with their instincts.

Lots of captivating moral dilemmas emerge from this very black+white view on good and evil. I was especially intrigued by Adam's decision to reject his son's gift and the repercussions that followed.

I was definitely wholly absorbed in the story. Possibly a 5 star absorption. And yet there's an unevenness, and i would have probably shortened the middle of the book, because I found the two brother relationships bookending the story, the most compelling. I'd even fault the book for placing Adam at its center, because I'd consider him the least interesting and likable character.

In a story mostly populated with men, Cathy was fascinating, and could have been polished by omitting those liquor-induced moments used to show her true face. And then there's Steinbeck's apparent inability to describe female characters without mentioning their breasts. So I'll round this down to 4.