The period drama East of Eden, starring Florence Pugh, is now streaming on Netflix, with viewers praising it as a faithful adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel.
The limited series, created by Zoe Kazan, launched on 1 October and is set in the 19th century, carrying viewers through to the First World War. It chronicles the intertwined lives of two American families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, set against the backdrop of the Salinas Valley in Central California.
Fan and Viewer Reactions
Many consider the book to be Steinbeck's finest work, and the adaptation has drawn considerable expectation from devoted readers. One fan wrote in a Rotten Tomatoes review: "East of Eden is my all-time favourite book, and I've read it multiple times at various times in my life. I had many reservations about an adaptation, but I was pleasantly surprised and truly enjoyed this mini-series. Contrary to the opinion of other reviewers, I believe it stayed very true to the book."
Others coming across the characters for the first time were equally impressed, with one fan writing: "I haven't read the book, but I found this series incredibly entertaining and well crafted. In a time when it's tough to find a show that truly hooked me and kept my full attention, this one delivers 100%! Highly recommended." Another viewer shared: "I never read this book, my loss. What a work of art, and this series was beautiful with masterful performances."
Cast and Performances
The cast includes Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames, Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask, Cathy's husband, and Mike Faist as Charles Trask, Adam's half-brother. Also appearing are Hoon Lee as Lee, Adam's servant, and Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton, Adam's neighbour.
Several viewers have applauded the performances, with particular acclaim directed towards Pugh's "stellar" acting and that of supporting actor Hoon Lee. One detailed review says: "This series is fantastic. Everything works: the story, the characters, the set and setting, and Florence Pugh, who conveys so much with so few facial muscles that I felt it in my bones. Christopher Abbott is fantastic and Martha Plimpton is excellent in a small but pivotal role. But it was Hoon Lee who blew me away, supplying the heart and soul that lets this family with intergenerational trauma survive."
All episodes of the limited series, East of Eden, are available to stream on Netflix.
