Club Meeting 71 – East of Eden
East of Eden follows Adam Trask and his family, spanning generations from the aftermath of the Civil War into the early 20th century in California's Salinas Valley. After moving West, Adam is left by his cold, manipulative wife, Cathy, who abandons him and their newborn twin sons, Caleb and Aaron, to work in a local brothel. Deeply depressed, Adam leaves much of the boys' upbringing to his loyal servant, Lee, before eventually regaining his footing with guidance from neighboring rancher Samuel Hamilton. As Cal and Aaron grow up, they navigate their own coming-of-age struggles, uncover the truth about their mother, and reenact a powerful biblical allegory of free will, rivalry, and choice.
Guest : Peter Van Coutren
Peter Van Coutren is the archivist and collection specialist at the Steinbeck Center. Peter manages the online bibliography and the Steinbeck Photo database. He assists researchers with reference questions, gives tours of the center, and provides presentations to groups and individuals interested in the life and works of John Steinbeck.
