Sample
  • East of Eden

  • By: John Steinbeck
  • Narrated by: Richard Poe
  • Length: 25 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (17,836 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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An emotional ride.

I love Steinbeck and if you do too, this one won't disappoint. East of Eden is at times long winded, but the foundations he lays in the side stories are so important to the context of the era and characters. I laughed out loud multiple times and cried at least three others.

I only found myself zoning out the narrator's performance a handful of times, but i find that quite impressive considering it's over 24 hours of audio.

My only negative is that I've finished it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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WOW!

Didn't think I would love East of Eden as much as I did, but I am ready to get lost in it again. Wonderful, relatable characters filled a fantastic story and was a pleasure to read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book

Haven't heard it since reading it in high school. Still great like I remembered it. Excellent narration!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Read at 15, again now at 21.

I've been struck. I cannot give this book less than 5 stars, as no book has ever been more worth 5 stars. It makes you think deeply, you learn the characters and love them for all their good and their bad, and learn to love and accept yourself a bit better alongside them. The narrator does a fantastic work on this piece.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful

A story written in the history and heart of all mankind. There is something in this story that everyone will be able to relate to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

As good as it gets

Very very good a timeless tale of human existence. Well written by a master writer Bravo!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

High expectations

First and foremost, I enjoyed this audio book. I think I would have enjoyed the story much more if I didn't have such high expectations. A lot of folks over the years have recommended this book to me and it is regarded as such a classic, I came in expecting too much I think. Still, I am glad I listened to it, and I do recommend it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic work performed by an exceptional narrator

Classic work performed by an exceptional narrator. Richard Poe captures the tone of each chapter, as well as Steinbeck's huge cast of characters, with vocal grace. I enjoyed listening immensely.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic Steinbeck

Great story by one of my favorite American authors. A must read (or listen) for anyone!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

One of the most emotional and moving books I've ever experienced. Everyone must experience this book.

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