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e_ramirez_ortega's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can't recall reading Grapes of Wrath, although I know it was required in high school (government school). I know Steinbeck is a fixture in classical literature and it was highly recommended to read this title to start getting familiar with his work. I am glad I read this when I did, during a week of vacation (Thanksgiving holiday break, to be exact) from the homeschool. I read the first chapter and then explained the story to my daughter and she was curious. The rest became a read-aloud between us and I am glad she had her first taste of a Steinbeck classic. All this to say, it was memorable. I would recommend it to anyone interested in a quick read, a valuable one at that.
The story is character driven more than plot driven in my opinion. We see the development of Kino's journey through dreams of a prosperous life by way of his huge pearl discovery. The tension rises when the whole town gets involved in seeing what becomes of Kino and his prized possession: the pearl. His little son is a casualty of his distorted circumstances. What could be a win turns into a loss of much: dignity, station, ethics, family, and honor. There is much at stake when something of value takes possession of a man, no matter what class status he finds himself in. That is the lesson. Any man can become beguiled by the temptation and allure of riches that turns men to greed.
There's more to say and analyze about this tale but suffice to say, it will keep you peeling layers of truth and discovery throughout.
The story is character driven more than plot driven in my opinion. We see the development of Kino's journey through dreams of a prosperous life by way of his huge pearl discovery. The tension rises when the whole town gets involved in seeing what becomes of Kino and his prized possession: the pearl. His little son is a casualty of his distorted circumstances. What could be a win turns into a loss of much: dignity, station, ethics, family, and honor. There is much at stake when something of value takes possession of a man, no matter what class status he finds himself in. That is the lesson. Any man can become beguiled by the temptation and allure of riches that turns men to greed.
There's more to say and analyze about this tale but suffice to say, it will keep you peeling layers of truth and discovery throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Violence, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Classism, and Colonisation
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Vomit
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