Sample
  • East of Eden

  • By: John Steinbeck
  • Narrated by: Richard Poe
  • Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (17,844 ratings)

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East of Eden

By: John Steinbeck
Narrated by: Richard Poe
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Publisher's summary

This sprawling and often brutal novel, set in the rich farmlands of California's Salinas Valley, follows the intertwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

©1952 John Steinbeck; Renewed 1980 Elaine Steinbeck, Thom Steinbeck, and John Steinbeck IV (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A novel planned on the grandest possible scale...One of those occasions when a writer has aimed high and then summoned every ounce of energy, talent, seriousness, and passion of which he was capable.... It is an entirely interesting and impressive book." (The New York Herald Tribune)

"A fantasia and myth...a strange and original work of art." (The New York Times Book Review)

"A moving, crying pageant with wilderness strengths." (Carl Sandburg)

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What listeners say about East of Eden

Average customer ratings
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A time capsule for Chinese American history

Besides all the great things said by other reviewers, this book is one of the few American novels of its time that presents a complex (also idealized) character in Lee, a first-generation Chinese American. It also records the treacherous roads Chinese immigrants had to undergo and the ensuing prejudice they had to endure in America in the time period depicted. Hats off to a great writer and voice of the social conscience in Steinbeck!

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Descriptive narrative

This narrative pulled you into the story laying bare the frailties of mankind. What I felt strongly is that mankind can rarely be lumped into all or all bad. There many complexities that go into the analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't want the story to end.

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Beautiful Classic

First time reading/listening to this classic and reminds me how much I enjoyed John Steinbeck’s novels. How much beautiful descriptions he adds in to his sceneries and characters. Love it. Can’t wait for the next book.

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Timeless

Narration was excellent and story was a page turner: couldn’t put it down. There are personal takeaways that are helpful to me

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Thought provoking book

Loved it and would recommend the book to everyone. A masterpiece that is thought provoking today.

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Amazing

Wonderfully read and love the story of all the characters and the narrator as well

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Greatest story of all time

Such a transformative book in my life. This book helped me understand my biggest insecurities and complexes. I'm glad I was able to listen to this.

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An amazing story.

This family story is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. The characters are unforgettable.

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The deep recognition of the complicated human condition was poignant. This story demands personal reflection.

I loved it all. I didn’t want it to end. I think that was the point. It never does.

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Wisdom and wit. Steinbeck understood people.

The depth of the characters personas and psyche is a treasure. A tale of generational journeys, and poetically written.

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