Zoe Kazan finds herself surrounded by invaluable artifacts at the Library of Congress. It’s mid-September, just weeks before Netflix releases her limited-series adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden.’

As Kazan, both screenwriter and actress, takes in these treasures, she reflects on her unique connection to the project. Her grandfather directed a classic film adaptation of the same Steinbeck novel over seven decades ago. This legacy adds a personal dimension to her latest work.

The Library of Congress has curated a collection of items for Kazan, offering her vivid insights into the historical and cultural background surrounding the novel. These treasures help her appreciate the depth and significance of Steinbeck’s masterpiece as she brings it to a new medium and audience.