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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Well written set of interwoven short stories, capturing the hidden essence of Adam idyllic small town.
An overlooked Steinbeck classic. A collection of short stories that, in a modernist/magical-realist touch, depicts a small rural California community.
"After the bare requisites to living and reproducing, man wants most to leave some record of himself, a proof, perhaps, that he has really existed. He leaves his proof on wood, on stone or on the lives of other people. This deep desire exists in everyone, from the boy who writes dirty words in a public toilet to the Buddha who etches his image in the race mind. Life is so unreal. I think that we seriously doubt that we exist and go about trying to prove that we do."
"Everyone has to be an orphan some time."
"Everyone has to be an orphan some time."
A good collection of interrelated stories that give hint to the breadth and depth of Steinbeck's later works.
"Life is so unreal. I think that we seriously doubt that we exist and go about trying to prove that we do."
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was the perfect antidote for me after reading two sub-par science fiction novels.
The Pastures of Heaven is one of Steibeck's earliest works, published before anyone knew his name. Set in a bucolic valley in California named "The Pastures of Heaven", a typical setting for Steinbeck's tales, this book is actually a collection of twelve inter-woven short stories. The first story is a history of the valley and the last story is a high level wrap-up of life in the valley and the chapters in between are all about the residents of the Pastures.
In the second chapter we learn of a supposed cursed house in the Pastures and all about the Munroe family that moves in and fixes it up. The subsequent chapters tell stand-alone stories, each featuring a different family living in the Pastures. The stories have a common theme - when a particular family interacts with the Munroes their luck seems to change for the worse.
The book is only about 200 pages long so its short chapters really move along. The stories are a mixed bag, there is a little humor, some happiness, a lot of drama, but I'd say the overall feeling after finishing most of them is melancholic. There are some really sad and depressing moments.
I really enjoyed the melancholy and the memorable characters, and found the stories to be unputdownable. It was like reading bite-sized Steinbeck novels. How can you beat that? All the stars!
Spoiler alert - if your book contains the James Nagel introduction don't read until after you've finished. It is excellent and contains interesting analysis of the stories but does spoil some of them.
The Pastures of Heaven is one of Steibeck's earliest works, published before anyone knew his name. Set in a bucolic valley in California named "The Pastures of Heaven", a typical setting for Steinbeck's tales, this book is actually a collection of twelve inter-woven short stories. The first story is a history of the valley and the last story is a high level wrap-up of life in the valley and the chapters in between are all about the residents of the Pastures.
In the second chapter we learn of a supposed cursed house in the Pastures and all about the Munroe family that moves in and fixes it up. The subsequent chapters tell stand-alone stories, each featuring a different family living in the Pastures. The stories have a common theme - when a particular family interacts with the Munroes their luck seems to change for the worse.
The book is only about 200 pages long so its short chapters really move along. The stories are a mixed bag, there is a little humor, some happiness, a lot of drama, but I'd say the overall feeling after finishing most of them is melancholic. There are some really sad and depressing moments.
I really enjoyed the melancholy and the memorable characters, and found the stories to be unputdownable. It was like reading bite-sized Steinbeck novels. How can you beat that? All the stars!
Spoiler alert - if your book contains the James Nagel introduction don't read until after you've finished. It is excellent and contains interesting analysis of the stories but does spoil some of them.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
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:
Complicated