East of Eden

*East of Eden* by John Steinbeck is a multi-generational novel set in California's Salinas Valley. It explores themes of good and evil, free will, and family dynamics through the lives of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons. The story centers on moral struggles, identity, and the desire for redemption, highlighting the idea that individuals choose their paths, much like the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck uses rich characters and symbolic storytelling to examine the complex nature of human morality and the ongoing battle between right and wrong.