Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A good book

I've always wanted to write book reviews after I finish my books like my cousin Lynn and sister Angie. They however have majored in English and so this will be somewhat amateur but alas here are my thoughts on East of Eden. The concept of duality in man, or man versus self, is quite common in literature. Hugo, Dostoevsky, Dickens, and I'm sure lots others have explored this. However, in this book Steinbeck has been the first to personalize the idea to me and all people for that matter. The protagonists are painted as colorful characters with evil and good in them. The antagonists are painted more one sided with black and white type thinking all selfish and evil or all pure and good. The entire book is centered around the word "Timshalt " and whoever reads this book will never forget it ( though they might forget the correct spelling). I honestly did not realize I liked this book so much until the last page. Their are painful moments in this book where the protagonists disappoint you and you wonder who are you really cheering for. Yet in the end the magnanimity of man shines through with the strength and power to choose his character and destiny. I reccomend this book to all those who like books that make them think (this is not a light novel) and if you start to read it push yourself through the painful parts because in the end it will not dissapoint.

2 comments:

Marci said...

Wow Mar...what a review! I must say it was great! I really think you should consider doing book reviews on the side! :) And if I liked to read (too bad I don't) I would be out getting the book now to read it! :)
I can't wait to see you over the Christmas Break!

A said...

You make a lot of really good points, its now added to my long long list of books to read. PS I recommend The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, its a quick read for 500+ pages, a fabulous addition to the adolescent lit genre, and can be taken both lightly or very critiquely. I think you would like it, my copy is currently loaned out, but I should be getting it back soon.

PS I tagged you, see my blog for details.