Scan barcode
deailbhe's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-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
3.75
I have always loved how Steinbeck writes misery in his work as it never seems malicious or exaggerated, but instead mundane. This is no different in The Pearl. Through the mundane misery and tension the novel explores concepts of racism, capitalism, greed and masculinity that are quite cutting despite its length. These discussions are still present in the few moments of joy in the novel, but neither the reader nor the characters are allowed to sit in these emotions for too long. A great short read for anyone interested in modern classics with an easy to read style.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Medical content
ingaplinga's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Death, Medical content, Child death, and Gun violence
Moderate: Colonisation
orchidlilly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This is honestly the worst Steineck book I've ever had the displeasure of reading. It's nothing more than a grim sobfest poorly disguised with a moral of 'don't be greedy'. The sexism is always obvious in his works, but it's especially glaring here, and it doesn't even have the decency to be interesting like Of Mice and Men.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Grief, Animal death, Kidnapping, Medical content, Racism, Religious bigotry, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Child death, Death, Murder, Sexism, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Colonisation
More...