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A review by knowmadic_369
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
reflective
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
3.0
The thing with classics is that they sometimes are regarded as worthy and valuable simply because they are considered as classics. And even though I can definitely acknowledge the admirable qualities of Of Mice and Men I didn't particularly enjoy the read. I didn't really like the characters or how the events unfolded, but I also understand that that is my own subjective opinion. Nevertheless, I can't get myself giving this book more than a 3-star rating.
If you consider the literary devices used in the story, then it makes up for the unsavory characters and plot. John Steinbeck's writing of the novella was skillful, no doubt about that. I specifically enjoyed his scenic openings to chapters, which contrasted the remaining dialogue-heavy parts of the book. I can also appreciate the purpose of each character and each event in the short 100-page novella; each element had a role in the overall message of the book and was artfully executed. For deeper analysis, you'll find plenty imagery and allegories subtly interwoven in the text and you'll have more than enough material to dissect and analyse closely. Steinbeck definitely also had some insightful commentary on life in the U.S.A. that might even still be relevant to life today.
Praises aside, though, the representation of women in this book is appalling. That might also be part of the overall theme of the book, but it was the most off-putting aspect of the book for me personally.
If you consider the literary devices used in the story, then it makes up for the unsavory characters and plot. John Steinbeck's writing of the novella was skillful, no doubt about that. I specifically enjoyed his scenic openings to chapters, which contrasted the remaining dialogue-heavy parts of the book. I can also appreciate the purpose of each character and each event in the short 100-page novella; each element had a role in the overall message of the book and was artfully executed. For deeper analysis, you'll find plenty imagery and allegories subtly interwoven in the text and you'll have more than enough material to dissect and analyse closely. Steinbeck definitely also had some insightful commentary on life in the U.S.A. that might even still be relevant to life today.
Praises aside, though, the representation of women in this book is appalling. That might also be part of the overall theme of the book, but it was the most off-putting aspect of the book for me personally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Racial slurs, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny and Violence
Minor: Animal death