East of Eden by John Steinbeck


If Steinbeck intended East of Eden to be about life. I can definitely see (on completion) the growing pains this book experienced in the first half.

Indeed, two central characters, Cal and Aron Trask, aren't introduced until well into the second half of the novel.

Instead, Steinbeck chooses to write chapters filled with descriptions of the Salina's Valley which many of the Characters are yet to stumble across, hanging it like a carrot from a rod, tantalising us with a place that we know will eventually become central to the story of both families but deciding to lead us instead on an ancestral journey of Father's to Sons. From Cyrus to Adam to the twins ,Cal and Aron, it is understandable that they were not introduced until they could conceivably be born into the story (since we, like immortals, are taken on a journey through time - eerily watching the life and death of the generations before them ) Yet, the arduous task of reading a book which takes 250 pages to establish itself could induce comatose in the best of us.

I found it difficult to immerse myself in the pages of the novel and would recommend anyone who wishes to read this book to commit a time when they won't be interrupted. ( It is not easily read if put down often. )

However! If endured, the establishment of the ancestry of Cal and Aron Trask creates an understanding of their characters and the inherent genetics each boy possesses which allows the reader to develop a deep and endearing connection with them - which is admittedly plagued with favouritism. At first, like their Father, Adam, I favoured Aron. His beauty and innocence creating a character who was easily loved and understood just as is mentioned in the book - yet as the twins grew older and we followed them on their journey through life my favour for Aron waned as his innocence soon turned to naivety and Cal became my firm favourite with his realism and ingenuity. Perhaps this was Steinbeck's intent as, it seems, the destination of the novel itself favoured Cal as well.

Although a slow start may foil many readers, it is worth the effort to push through the initial chapters to reach the end destination.

No comments: