The historical novel is by John Steinbeck, set in California. Are you not familiar with it? Steinbeck was a modernist writer, lots of classical and literary references, and this novel is aligned with a biblical theme (Cain and Abel). The title (I cheated and went to Wikipedia, I didn't want to rummage my notes) is from the full quote in Genesis: "And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden."

Another wonderful novel (all of his were, and the lion's share were set in the west) was Grapes of Wrath. Now that's a Western! Love those old trucks and hobo camps. . .

SRS