I just finished east of eden. here are my thoughts:
LEE! I love that man. Served as the metaphorical mother in the story to the boys and is basically Adam's husband. He even came back, even if Adam would never love him and it is just so beautiful to read. Watching his character evolve, the intelligence, the boldness, the increasing comfort that he has with Adam... it's beautiful. The way he fusses over Cal is also kind of adorable, as he knows that Adam will never love Cal the way he loves Aron.
Speaking of. I hate Adam. No comment, he just needs to stfu. He's highkey weak, very whiney at times, and irresponsible at best. No scene will ever, EVER, break my heart the way he compared the two boys.
NGL, it was Aron's fault for joining the army and dying. That's highly his bad, like, your brother carried this weight with him for half of his life. I LOVE Cal, so I also see the perspective. I am my brother's keeper, etc. Aron cannot face the big things in life, he needs to be sheltered to survive. Pretty privilege type stuff, yk? Idk, I just found him preachy. Abra did too which is why he got yelled at.
Cal cal cal, my baby boy <3. Love him sm, he's so strong and he struggles constantly. He's always trying to do the right thing and that's more than anything ever. It's beautiful, and he's a sweetheart.
Abra! Well-written female character! Who's not expected to be perfect. Love her too. I do think she was a better fit with Cal, Aron is too idealistic. Abra's relationship with her family, her found family, and herself are beautiful. I loved seeing it transform and evolve. She's hard not to like and that is BECAUSE she is flawed. Her relationship with Lee was also the sweetest thing ever.
I highkey need to stew on Cathy. I'll give ya'll a consensus later. Idk yet.