The first book I ever read in the English language was by John Steinbeck. It sowed a seed, and, having moved to this country, I wanted to read more books by him. With East of Eden, Steinbeck’s style has acquired maturity. It may have lost some of its “roughness” — it’s a tradeoff — but none of the author’s goodness (or indeed talent) has gone. It’s a view of America, much like The Grapes of Wrath (which I’d first read), but from another perspective and with the sort of “acceptance” that older age sometimes brings with it. There’s Peace without naivety in it, and dialogue and friendship, too. I strongly recommend it.
5/5 stars. –Marriane Scordel, Adult Summer Reading Program Participant