East of Eden

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Richard Poe

Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins

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)

Incredible novel, and GREAT narration.

I have never enjoyed an audible book as much as East of Eden by John Steinbeck. And the narration by Richard Poe, oh my goodness he puts such personality into the characters voices, which made the whole experience so so much better. I’m not a Star Trek fan but apparently he has acted in three different Star Trek series and won the 20l4 Audie award for this narration - well deserved!
I don’t think I could’ve enjoyed it as much reading the novel in print.
It’s a long book 25 hours of narration. I have not been much of an audiobook fan, but after this wonderful experience I am searching for my next magic carpet ride. the writing is inspired, I marveled often at the descriptive genius, humor, full spectrum of human character.

It's a good book.

The narrator is the best. Any thing he reads comes to live. I love it.

A Classic

A Classic I never read...until now. I saw the made for TV movie back in the day. The book is so much better, as usual. I know, I know, I'm behind the times, but the story is so captivating and the characters engaging. John Steinbeck does not write the "happy ending" in his books, but his stories are thought provoking. I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook.

loved it

I have read this book once every ten years or so. first time in audio.

Wow!

If you could sum up East of Eden in three words, what would they be?

Relations between people

What did you like best about this story?

The powerful characters.

What does Richard Poe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not sure, good narrator though.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A revealing of the human heart.

Any additional comments?

Colorful characters that show how relationships in families either flourish or falter. It shows the trajic consequences of the behavior of one man, and how that behavior transcends to the next generation. A lot of symbolism in this book also, demonstrating the sin nature in all of us.
I can't say much else, other than as in all Steinbeck's books, they reveal the human condition, and are equally good as a history lesson too. I liked it very much.

Wonderful performance of a classic.

Wonderful performance of a classic. Richard Poe seamlessly transitions from character to character so much so that you find yourself emerged in the story.

Steinbeck classic

I've read the book and now listened. Love the reader. He did a great job.

wonderful

I feel this is a must read for any person that struggles with their inner thoughts. I felt like it was a great exploration into the human will. The novel embodies human nature on what we can and may be.

timshell

Loved it. as a high schooler I read it. as a 50+ I absorbed it. Steinbeck does not disappoint...ever.

Don't Stop 1/2 Way Through

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audio book to a friend because of the message shared throughout the 2nd half of the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of East of Eden?

I found the ending to be incredibly meaningful. The sections of the book that deal with philosophy and human nature are incredibly insightful and at times inspiring. Steinbeck seems to know human nature so well, and to be able to put it into words artfully. It was also incredible at how well he captured the time period covered in the book.

What three words best describe Richard Poe’s performance?

Brink of madness. I always felt, every character, was on the brink of insanity, based on how the narrator spoke. It is Steinbeck, so it wasn't far from the truth, however, it was somewhat exhausting to listen to.

Any additional comments?

I felt the first 1/2 of the book to be somewhat overly long and without direction. It was somewhat interesting, but I felt Steinbeck could have set-up the 2nd 1/2 of the book in a quicker way and achieved the same result. This book is geared at an adult audience and takes a candid approach to adult situations and themes like prostitution, whore houses, sex, suicide, mental illness, abortion and murder.