I think I've said this in other reviews, but Steinbeck's literary success was almost assured with the publication of this small but mighty novel. It established his enviable ability to make Dickensian-level miscreants relatable and even occasionally sympathetic, owing in no small amount to his poetic, beautiful and incisive prose, such that you occasionally even find yourself cheering for them, thieves and beggars that they are. Steinbeck is a master of making despicable people not only palatable, but endearing, and his cast of characters here is no exception. They are certainly more derelict than the inhabitants of the Cannery Row universe, the ne'er-do-wells in this delightful, but sometimes depressing narrative, but they are indeed just as colorful and full of life.
This is a rather short work, but not in any way disappointing. As other reviewers have stated, I certainly share the sentiment that Steinbeck is a master storyteller who captures the essence of the time and place about which he writes with perfection, without pretense or exaggeration. In this case, he transports readers to the era of the early 20th century in a little coastal town infected with a surplus share of poverty, driving its inhabitants to struggle for survival in ways unimaginable to most of us. As such, it offers a window unto their world, if only for a short time and from a safe distance.
Another of Steinbeck's great talents is his ability to turn tragedy into comedy: the almost farcical situations Danny and Company frequently find themselves in are owing, of course, to their own vices and shortcomings. For example, when Danny comes into what to most would seem good fortune, with the inheritance of not one but TWO houses, bequeathed to him by his viejo, the rent for one of which would certainly keep him and his comrades in an endless supply of cheap wine, in short order, he manages to muck it up, first losing one property, and then essentially the other, because his nature is such that he cannot be domesticated. His true nature, that of perennial screw-up (and isn't there one in almost EVERY family, so this stereotypical albeit prototypical figure may be familiar to many readers),cannot be overcome; such is also the lamentable fate of his band of brothers, who are scattered to the winds with his untimely passing. Even the best of intentions will go astray for Danny and his ilk, and, by extension, the entire community.
This is certainly a worthwhile book, setting the stage for some of Steinbeck's more famous works which delve into similar dark recesses of the human psyche, including Of Mice and Men, which this book foreshadows in a significant way, and his magnum opus, The Grapes of Wrath. The simplicity of the stories, vignettes of travesty unfold more as events happening TO the characters, who are seemingly incapable of changing their misaligned stars, rather than as deeds performed by the characters, who are occupied with life's simple pleasures, with a penchant for wine, women and the occasional song. Highly recommended, and a quintessential stepping stone introduction to Steinbeck's more masterful works.
-------Notable Passages--------
Ah, the prayers of the millions, how they must fight and destroy each other on their way to the throne of God.
If two generous paths branch from the highroad of life and only one can be followed, who is to judge which is best?
Thoughts are slow and deep and golden in the morning.
If all the dew were diamonds...we would be very rich. We would be drunk all our lives.
It is astounding to find that the belly of every black and evil thing is as white as snow. And it is saddening to discover that the concealed parts of angels are leprous.
Time is more complex near the sea than in any other place, for in addition to the circling of the sun and the turning of the seasons, the waves beat out the passage of time on the rocks and the tides rise and fall as a great clepsydra.
This is a rather short work, but not in any way disappointing. As other reviewers have stated, I certainly share the sentiment that Steinbeck is a master storyteller who captures the essence of the time and place about which he writes with perfection, without pretense or exaggeration. In this case, he transports readers to the era of the early 20th century in a little coastal town infected with a surplus share of poverty, driving its inhabitants to struggle for survival in ways unimaginable to most of us. As such, it offers a window unto their world, if only for a short time and from a safe distance.
Another of Steinbeck's great talents is his ability to turn tragedy into comedy: the almost farcical situations Danny and Company frequently find themselves in are owing, of course, to their own vices and shortcomings. For example, when Danny comes into what to most would seem good fortune, with the inheritance of not one but TWO houses, bequeathed to him by his viejo, the rent for one of which would certainly keep him and his comrades in an endless supply of cheap wine, in short order, he manages to muck it up, first losing one property, and then essentially the other, because his nature is such that he cannot be domesticated. His true nature, that of perennial screw-up (and isn't there one in almost EVERY family, so this stereotypical albeit prototypical figure may be familiar to many readers),cannot be overcome; such is also the lamentable fate of his band of brothers, who are scattered to the winds with his untimely passing. Even the best of intentions will go astray for Danny and his ilk, and, by extension, the entire community.
This is certainly a worthwhile book, setting the stage for some of Steinbeck's more famous works which delve into similar dark recesses of the human psyche, including Of Mice and Men, which this book foreshadows in a significant way, and his magnum opus, The Grapes of Wrath. The simplicity of the stories, vignettes of travesty unfold more as events happening TO the characters, who are seemingly incapable of changing their misaligned stars, rather than as deeds performed by the characters, who are occupied with life's simple pleasures, with a penchant for wine, women and the occasional song. Highly recommended, and a quintessential stepping stone introduction to Steinbeck's more masterful works.
-------Notable Passages--------
Ah, the prayers of the millions, how they must fight and destroy each other on their way to the throne of God.
If two generous paths branch from the highroad of life and only one can be followed, who is to judge which is best?
Thoughts are slow and deep and golden in the morning.
If all the dew were diamonds...we would be very rich. We would be drunk all our lives.
It is astounding to find that the belly of every black and evil thing is as white as snow. And it is saddening to discover that the concealed parts of angels are leprous.
Time is more complex near the sea than in any other place, for in addition to the circling of the sun and the turning of the seasons, the waves beat out the passage of time on the rocks and the tides rise and fall as a great clepsydra.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
