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notevenhalf's review
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
" 'I love you,' I said. And I do. I really do. And I remember thinking what a hell of a man a man could become."
ethan allen hawley is husband, father of two, and a grocery store clerk working inside a store his family used to own. he is literary, witty, judgemental, "does the right thing," is hyper-aware of himself and others, and longs to take back what he views as a place of importance within the muddy present form of new baytown, his family's historic dwelling. one day, he takes his first steps on a journey to "look out for number one" and toils his way to a new version of himself.
the second steinbeck I've ever read after east of eden. definitely a slower read than that. it often took me a while to get my bearings each chapter as there were frequent swings in tone, perspective, and setting. the events of the book take place over a very condensed time period, which I enjoyed. i felt as though I got a good grasp on where each character fit into the narrative and what they spent their time doing. i love steinbeck's description and dialogue, to me it feels like a perfect form of dramatized reality, where i can so easily recognize pieces of the people described in myself and others i know even if the side characters can sometimes feel a little flat. i also enjoyed the frequent descriptions of new baytown's past fishing and whaling glory contrasted with its current state. the overall exploration of honesty to oneself and in one's relationship with others was my favorite angle to look through the events of the story.
i felt the wide, swirling range of themes, references, and ideas sometimes left me a little too in deep to the point where i felt lost and confused rather than thoughtful. my edition had end notes to explain some references, which helped.
ethan allen hawley is husband, father of two, and a grocery store clerk working inside a store his family used to own. he is literary, witty, judgemental, "does the right thing," is hyper-aware of himself and others, and longs to take back what he views as a place of importance within the muddy present form of new baytown, his family's historic dwelling. one day, he takes his first steps on a journey to "look out for number one" and toils his way to a new version of himself.
the second steinbeck I've ever read after east of eden. definitely a slower read than that. it often took me a while to get my bearings each chapter as there were frequent swings in tone, perspective, and setting. the events of the book take place over a very condensed time period, which I enjoyed. i felt as though I got a good grasp on where each character fit into the narrative and what they spent their time doing. i love steinbeck's description and dialogue, to me it feels like a perfect form of dramatized reality, where i can so easily recognize pieces of the people described in myself and others i know even if the side characters can sometimes feel a little flat. i also enjoyed the frequent descriptions of new baytown's past fishing and whaling glory contrasted with its current state. the overall exploration of honesty to oneself and in one's relationship with others was my favorite angle to look through the events of the story.
i felt the wide, swirling range of themes, references, and ideas sometimes left me a little too in deep to the point where i felt lost and confused rather than thoughtful. my edition had end notes to explain some references, which helped.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Murder
Minor: Infidelity
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