First published 1952
Adam Trask moves to California's Salinas Valley with his wife Cathy, hoping to build a new life in the fertile farmland. But Cathy abandons him and their twin sons, Cal and Aron, leaving Adam broken and withdrawn. The boys grow up in the shadow of their mother's cruelty and their father's distance. Cal becomes wild and resentful while Aron remains innocent and idealistic. Their neighbor Samuel Hamilton tries to guide the family through their troubles, but ancient patterns of jealousy and violence surface between the brothers. As the twins reach adulthood, Cal discovers dark secrets about their mother's whereabouts and identity. He struggles with whether to protect Aron's illusions or expose the painful truth. The rivalry between the brothers intensifies, echoing the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Steinbeck weaves together themes of good versus evil, family legacy, and the possibility of choice in determining one's fate.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Salinas Valley, California
Period: 20th Century
602 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics
Content warnings: abuse, violence