I picked up "East of Eden" at the suggestion of my landlord, without any indication about what lay ahead. It turned out to be the most remarkable work of fiction I have ever encountered. I finally finished the book last night after taking it slow in a deliberate attempt to fully immerse myself in its intricate storylines, eloquent prose, and captivating characters. I still can't believe I'm finished.

The book truly held me captive from start to finish, every moment etching itself onto my brain. The ingenuity of each chapter lies in its capacity to shock you as you never know what to expect. You could be reading a Horror at times with Cathy's storyline. What I want to talk about is the portrayal of its characters. Never before have I encountered a cast that felt so real, as if plucked from our world. Lee, Sam Hamilton, Adam, Cal, Kate, and the others – I love how their perspectives are seamlessly intertwined.

I lived in Ireland for a long time and I found an uncanny accuracy in the depiction of Sam Hamilton and his optimistic embrace of life, his storytelling, and his unwavering devotion to family. He nailed Irish culture and mannerisms.

Also, Lee and Samuel felt like fathers to me. Their paternal presence felt like an extension of my own life, a strange yet familiar connection that will stick with me for years. While the biblical parallels certainly lent an interesting layer to the story, what really got to me is the unmistakable realness of these characters. They transcend the realm of fiction, of myth, to embody individuals I have encountered, and those I will meet in my future.

The final pages of the book have left me with a sense of loss, a sentiment akin to bidding farewell to dear friends. There's so much I could say about this book but I'll leave it there for now!

As I grapple with this sense of emptiness, my thoughts turn to my next book. I'm thinking "The Grapes of Wrath" or "The Wayward Bus" but, If you have experienced emotions like mine after reading "East of Eden'' I would love to hear what you recommend next!