• East of Eden

  • By: John Steinbeck
  • Narrated by: Richard Poe
  • Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (17,484 ratings)

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East of Eden  By  cover art

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

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Interesting book

Narrator was great. Story is very interesting and thought provoking. It's not the type of book I typically read but listened to it while driving on vacation and was not disappointed.

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Oh man.

Maybe my greatest listen ever. What knowledge and wisdom John Steinbeck must have had about man. Truly astonishing.

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Great story, equally great narrator

Thia has become one of my favorite novels. The narrator brings each character to life. I raised the speed up to 1.15 and found it perfect.

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Classic for a million reasons

What a spectacular description of the early 20th century. The details were exceptional and refreshing to imagine life before IPhones and computers. The joy of appreciating nature and the personal connections which are deteriorating rapidly. So many thought provoking philosophies presented throughout the novel. You will enjoy the escape from our current upheaval and uncertainty. Highly recommended. DJ

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Steinbeck’s Masterpiece

Steinbeck said that he held nothing back when he wrote this story. He wrote a masterpiece of a novel, and he invented characters that are believable and relatable. This story spans three generations, and the lessons it contains are timeless.

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Good Moral thinker

love how it circles around Adam and Eve and Cain and Able. I don't like that the story send unfinished.

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Amazing Book and Narration

I never leave reviews but I will say this book is one of my favorites, maybe my favorite. I have read Grapes of Wrath and I believe this is even better. John Steinbeck knows how to write and Richard Poe knows how to narrate.

Absolutely brilliant.

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One of my top ten

I loved this book. Perfection in every way. Great narration and story. I never wanted it to end. I like watching the movie after I listen to books but I don’t think it or other movies ever do the book justice. I think they only way any film adaptation should be a limited series. This one will stay with me.

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favorite book

I just think it's written incredibly well and captivates a human experience. it's a long one but worth the read.

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outstanding

outstanding book. you should definitely pick this up. it is with the amount of time you may invest. loved the narrator. very good

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