Books Like East of Eden

Books Like East of Eden

If East of Eden by John Steinbeck left you reeling with its emotional depth, sprawling generational saga, and exploration of good, evil, and the choices that define us, you’re probably looking for more novels that offer the same kind of epic storytelling. East of Eden is rich with complex moral questions, unforgettable characters, and a sense of timelessness that lingers long after you finish the final page. So what should you read next?

We’ve put together a list of novels that carry the same emotional weight, thoughtful themes, and sweeping narratives. If you love fiction that explores the human condition with honesty and heart, these books deserve a spot on your TBR.

1. The Brothers K by David James Duncan
If the family dynamics and spiritual questions in East of Eden spoke to you, The Brothers K will feel like home. Set in 20th-century America, it follows a family of six children growing up in the shadow of war, baseball, and faith. The writing is tender and wise, and the characters are as deeply flawed and real as the Trasks.

2. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
This beautifully written novel tells the story of twin brothers coming of age in Ethiopia and later in the United States. It explores themes of identity, betrayal, medicine, and forgiveness. Just like East of Eden, it’s both intimate and epic, filled with emotional tension and moral complexity.

3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Told through the voices of five women from a single family, this novel dives into the cultural clash between American missionaries and Congolese villagers. It’s a rich, multilayered story that tackles guilt, belief, and survival, with the same depth and moral ambiguity that made East of Eden so compelling.

4. A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
This modern retelling of King Lear is a dark and powerful exploration of family, inheritance, and long-buried secrets. Set on an Iowa farm, it shares East of Eden’s sense of place and its exploration of how the past shapes us. It’s devastating, beautifully written, and impossible to forget.

5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
If you loved the generational sweep of East of Eden, Homegoing is a must-read. It begins with two half-sisters in 18th-century Ghana and follows their descendants through centuries of African and American history. It’s a moving and masterful novel about legacy, identity, and the weight of the past.

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