👶👶👶👶 Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck

I am almost embarrassed, that at this stage in my literary journey, I have only just now read this classic novel. It was sweet, profound, and tragic: a unique combination for any novel. The relationship between George and Lennie is quite multi-faceted, and is clearly treasured by both of them, though only Lennie admits it. The plot is so simple, yet so undeniably compelling.

John Steinbeck did a superb job with the setting in this novel. The setting was so much more than just a backdrop for the action; it also set the mood for each scene, and was used as a powerful tool for both the peaceful beginning, and the shocking end.

Because Steinbeck is a master of honesty and reality, he doesn’t skirt around issues. Also, though he respects his characters, he doesn’t provide a safe haven for them, which can be quite jarring (especially when the reader has grown fond of them). Since it was set during the Great Depression, he does little to hide the gloom of the time. So, that is perhaps the main negative aspect of the novel: it is just so darned depressing. The main plot twists are just horrific, and terribly sad, but accurately portrayed as the standard practice of the Old West during that time period.

Read 6/29/16