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A review by imme_van_gorp
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This story basically had one single message: capitalism is bad.
The plot follows an Indian family who try to make a living by pearl-diving but when the husband finds a glorious, beautiful pearl that is worth a lot of money, it brings nothing but pain and suffering. The rich, evil men would do anything to steal this impoverished man’s new-found wealth, and they are willing to go to immense lengths to take the pearl from him. First, the Indian family tries to fight back, but in the end they realize they do not want to own this pearl. They do not want to become wealthy. Not if it would make them dark and evil like all the other rich men. They would rather remain amongst their fellow poor people forever.
It could have been an okay story in theory, but I found the execution of it a little boring and even a bit simple. I also thought there are some problems with its message since it seems to suggests poor people should never try to move up in the world. I find that a little disheartening and discouraging, right?
Anyway, the writing was very descriptive and drawn-out, and I just didn’t feel connected to it. The characters also felt rather flat and didn’t come to live for me. Overall, I just wasn’t gripped by this story and the book left me feeling underwhelmed.
The plot follows an Indian family who try to make a living by pearl-diving but when the husband finds a glorious, beautiful pearl that is worth a lot of money, it brings nothing but pain and suffering. The rich, evil men would do anything to steal this impoverished man’s new-found wealth, and they are willing to go to immense lengths to take the pearl from him. First, the Indian family tries to fight back, but in the end they realize they do not want to own this pearl. They do not want to become wealthy. Not if it would make them dark and evil like all the other rich men. They would rather remain amongst their fellow poor people forever.
It could have been an okay story in theory, but I found the execution of it a little boring and even a bit simple. I also thought there are some problems with its message since it seems to suggests poor people should never try to move up in the world. I find that a little disheartening and discouraging, right?
Anyway, the writing was very descriptive and drawn-out, and I just didn’t feel connected to it. The characters also felt rather flat and didn’t come to live for me. Overall, I just wasn’t gripped by this story and the book left me feeling underwhelmed.