And the inevitable: so behind already! A 600-page novel in one week is a little much for this mama.
Okay, I know lots of you love East of Eden… Now that it's been a few days since I finished the book I am definitely feeling a little…blech. As a storyteller, Steinbeck succeeds – his modern reinterpretation of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel is more than compelling. Is there really a more conniving and evil woman in fiction than Cathy Ames? But the writing is just pure melodrama and stuffed with obvious symbolism and sweeping themes.
I am craving something leaner, more spare. Thank you, Toni Morrison.
I’m a little sad that you didn’t like it, but I do think Steinbeck is a certain taste–everything people complain about regarding “Grapes of Wrath” is something I loved about it.
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i warned you about it, didn’t i? i loved it. but in a guilty pleasure/working 12 hours a week (in france) sort of way. i thought cathy was really over the top in a way that wasn’t very believable (believable but..something..euh, it was a long time ago) but still…totally gruesome And hilarious.
I think it’s the worst of his books that I’ve read..but..yeah, it would make a really good terrible movie that i wouldn’t have been allowed to watch (of course).
it does have a nice cover.
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