Reviews

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

schnabelmarie's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

coffee_cake's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

A beautifully written book. I think I read it about a decade ago, but I can't be sure.

k4riss4's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.25

tand0c's review

emotional funny medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

novabird's review

4.0

With a realistic simplicity that belies a broad understanding of humanity, Steinbeck once again gives us a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized. These outsiders in Cannery Row eke out existence and live lives as full as any. How a person addresses the life condition that they find themselves in, is very much a part of Steinbeck’s overall style. Yet in Cannery Row, he uses lightheartedness, humour and the grace of poetry to add even more dimensions to the residents.

“For there are two possible reactions to social ostracism - either a man emerges determined to be better, purer, and kindlier or he goes bad, challenges the world and does even worse things. The last is by far the commonest reaction to stigma.”

“It’s the hour of the pearl – the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.”

Steinbeck marvelously lingers over people and fits them aptly into their environments/community with just the right amount of time to examine them closely enough to get at a deeper, even profound understanding of them. Then he captures it in his writing and it retains its essence in perfect descriptions that last long after the moment has passed.

A wonderful comforting read that uplifts the spirit. 4.25 Am extra .25 for the affirmation of a fit between the individual and the community

ragin's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

bereza's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

cer15712's review

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

creta's review

adventurous funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.5

fbroom's review

4.0

Steinbeck’s distinctively simple and flawless descriptions of his characters is what makes this book great. The book doesn’t tell a story but rather captures certain moments in these characters’ lives. You get to know them and feel what they’re feeling and love them with all their flaws.