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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I forget how much I enjoy Steinbeck's style. There's such a natural, warm cadence to it. Every time I opened the book it felt like I was sitting down with an old friend who was telling me his story. The saddest part of this whole book is how we're still doing the same thing... Seems everywhere you look the powers at be are pitting the poor against the poor. Really makes you wonder about what's stopping people from banding together and demanding some change decade after decade.
Loved this. I’m a huge fan of Steinbeck’s style of writing and his detailing - he really paints a picture and it adds depth to the story. I think it’s especially necessary here.
A component of this that I appreciated most was the gritty depiction of despair and how the Joad family fought through all they could. This grit is important because it illustrates the difference between the classes - wealthy and poor. We see throughout that the Joad family (and other families in similar situations) were generous and helpful. The wealthy took from and shamed the migrants for striving for better. While maybe not the same degree, we can see these differences in society even now which makes this a timeless classic.
The ending was a beautiful illustration of just how giving the poor are. I also like how the ending was left to interpretation and reflection by the reader. I began to wonder what happened to the Joads. And while I don’t think they lived happily ever after, it was a powerful way for Steinbeck to allow us to dissect the society we live in since the story is not so much about the ending as it is about the journey leading up to that point.
A component of this that I appreciated most was the gritty depiction of despair and how the Joad family fought through all they could. This grit is important because it illustrates the difference between the classes - wealthy and poor. We see throughout that the Joad family (and other families in similar situations) were generous and helpful. The wealthy took from and shamed the migrants for striving for better. While maybe not the same degree, we can see these differences in society even now which makes this a timeless classic.
The ending was a beautiful illustration of just how giving the poor are. I also like how the ending was left to interpretation and reflection by the reader. I began to wonder what happened to the Joads. And while I don’t think they lived happily ever after, it was a powerful way for Steinbeck to allow us to dissect the society we live in since the story is not so much about the ending as it is about the journey leading up to that point.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
Phew. John Steinbeck is a genius of a storyteller and this book is a masterpiece. I'll be thinking about the story and characters long after I've read other books, I'm sure. It's time for something a bit upbeat now though.
I listened to this book on Audible, narrated by Dylan Baker, who did a fantastic job. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I had read it, as Baker really made the descriptive chapters come alive. Very relevant to current times, especially chapter 14, which talks about the economics of rich and poor!
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
slow-paced
There is a mixture of feelings which make this a challenge to give a review.
The book is written beautifully which results in fast reading since you can't drop it.
However, be warned, this book is an emotional roller coaster where you are one chapter confused, an other angry and then sad.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I dislike Steinbeck's style in leaving some "holes" in the story, i.e. character's future are left unresolved and you are then left puzzled.
All in all, this book is worth your time.
The book is written beautifully which results in fast reading since you can't drop it.
However, be warned, this book is an emotional roller coaster where you are one chapter confused, an other angry and then sad.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I dislike Steinbeck's style in leaving some "holes" in the story, i.e. character's future are left unresolved and you are then left puzzled.
All in all, this book is worth your time.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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