Review by ollyreads_972 - Les raisins de la colère

ollyreads_972 's review for:

Les raisins de la colère by John Steinbeck

4.25

challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It was the first book I read by John Steinbeck, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I was really surprised by how easy his writing is to read (it made it so much easier to get into the story) and I think the fact that I read the new translation really helped me get immersed.

The novel follows the Joad family as they travel to California during the 1920s–30s, hoping to build a better life. What really struck me was how clearly Steinbeck shows the effects of poverty and how unfair the capitalist system can be. That part felt especially real to me, because I live on an island where a lot of young people are forced to leave if they want to find work. The themes in the book (economic struggle, migration, inequality) are still so relevant today.

I’m really glad I gave this book a chance. It was moving, and powerful.

I’m now definitely interested in reading more of Steinbeck’s novels.

Content Warnings