Tonight I returned a book to the library because of an allergic reaction. Apparently, my respiratory system took issue with the previous reader’s favorite perfume. I will most likely buy the book instead of endangering my existence but … what a silly experience.
The good news is that I discovered a Connie Willis book I hadn’t read yet. Sorry, Ms Vine, I’ll be back soon.
At the beginning of Part 2, Steinbeck’s narrator goes on about how horrible the 19th century was, glad it is over, time to wash our hands of it and start fresh. But he repeats this lovely bit before moving on to the thirteenth chapter:
Oh, but strawberries will never taste so good again and the thighs of women have lost their clutch!
I can’t wait to use that.
It is Fall of 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower has just become president of the United States with Nixon as his running mate, the Korean War has not yet ended, and John Steinbeck publishes East of Eden. The Salinas valley is a rich agricultural area, “America’s Salad Bowl,” and most of my memories are of travels to Monterey, 101 to 156 to 1 (so I didn’t have to drive over the Santa Cruz Mountains.) It is sad that I read very little Steinbeck while so close to his hometown.
East of Eden takes place between the turn of the 20th century and the end of WWI. It is rumored that Steinbeck considered this novel to be his greatest work and the title, after several attempts, is drawn from the biblical story of Cain and Abel.
And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
Genesis 4, 16.
This short story deserves a second reading. It has an interesting narrative voice that relates a story of a friend’s memory. Throughout the reading I couldn’t help thinking that the door in the wall is meant to represent opportunity. It is a peculiar telling.
