Netflix’s East of Eden Sends John Steinbeck’s Novel Back to the Top 74 Years Later

Netflix’s East of Eden adaptation is creating a second life for John Steinbeck’s classic novel. The streamer says sales of the book have risen by nearly 200% across all formats since the limited series arrived on 1 October.

A screen hit becomes a publishing story

According to figures shared by Netflix and Penguin Classics, East of Eden reached number one on Amazon’s bestseller list 74 years after its original 1952 publication. Penguin Classics has returned to press 25 times across its physical editions during 2026, a striking reminder that a high-profile adaptation can turn an established title into a fresh collecting and reading event.

The ripple reaches audio too. Spotify reported a 156% rise in first-time listeners for the East of Eden audiobook and a 171% increase in searches that led to the audiobook.

On screen, the series has also found a large global audience. Netflix reports 19.1 million cumulative views during two weeks in its Global Top 10 for English-language television, reaching the Top 10 in 86 countries and number one in 34.

Florence Pugh’s Cathy Ames takes centre stage

Zoe Kazan’s adaptation places renewed emphasis on Cathy Ames, played by Florence Pugh, while following the multigenerational Trask family story. Pugh was the first performer to join the project and also serves as an executive producer.

The production has connected the series back to Steinbeck’s legacy through archival and public events. Pugh and Kazan visited the Library of Congress to examine original manuscripts and artefacts. In London, Pugh, Kazan, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist took part in a British Library discussion. Netflix has also announced support for literary conservation and plans to donate books behind its films and series to 100 UK libraries.

Pugh and Kazan are due to receive the John Steinbeck Award on 12 November, recognising work that reflects the author’s empathy and concern for people pushed to society’s margins.

For collectors, the near-200% sales jump is worth watching: renewed demand often brings reprints, fresh cover treatments and adaptation tie-ins, while older editions gain new visibility. Discover more screen-to-page stories in ASACC’s Film & TV coverage and browse collectibles from ASACC sellers.