Reviews

At long last, i've been able to read the story that inspired one of my favorite movies, Cannery Row! Although, Steinbeck's first installment of this story was titled "Cannery Row", the David S. Ward movie is largely based on this sequel, "Sweet Thursday". Generally, Steinbeck's writing is fabulous to read, but these tales based on people and events on Cannery Row in Monterey CA are a special treat. The characters are colorful, endearing, flawed, and deeply human. The dysfunctional "family" that is Cannery Row models for us some of the most valuable lessons for the human family to which we all belong. One can't help but be drawn to the characters, each in their own quirky way, regardless of their status as protagonist or antagonist. I highly recommend these two novels which tell the story of life on Cannery Row. And don't miss the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083717/), it is especially well done. Nick Nolte and Debra Winger and perfect as Doc and Suzy.

anpu325's review against another edition

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5.0

John Steinbeck's work is always amazing. This book does not disappoint. The way he develops Doc, Suzy, and each of the other characters is masterful. They are amazing yet believable. The story resonates within me, and there was some great advice for life thrown in. The way the intricacies of the human nature are presented makes this book a great read.

stephh's review against another edition

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slow-paced

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

4.0

I had forgotten how much I love Steinbeck's works, and this has really reinvigorated that love. It's a sort of follow up to Cannery Row, which I've not read, but I feel like you don't have to read Cannery Row before trying this.

Doc is a biologist trying to write a paper about octopuses living in the small desolate town coined Cannery Row. His friends are worried about him as he seems to lose himself a bit in his struggles to write the paper, and thus they decide that Doc needs a wife. In comes Suzy - fierce, strong-minded and independent - she's ready to start her life afresh in Cannery Row, and won't take anyone's crap.

For a really quite short book, this packs a punch. I felt like we really got to know Doc, Suzy and the rest of the main characters, and they did all develop as the book progressed. I loved Steinbeck's atmospheric writing in this, and really enjoyed the relationships between the different characters.

karinlib's review against another edition

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4.0

I am so glad I read Cannery Row before this, because I would not have understood the story. Cannery Row took place during the Depression in Monterey, California, and Sweet Thursday took place after WII. I liked Cannery Row, but I liked Sweet Thursday better. Mack and his band of misfits are back and so is Doc, the endearing scientist that everyone in Cannery Row treats like their local family doctor.

liann24's review against another edition

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4.0

My favorite Steinbeck. The sequel to Cannery Row.

jackthias's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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