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mattyvreads's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It goes without saying that this book is an absolute classic. Scholars and ninth graders can agree.
This latest read through was maybe my fifth or sixth time enjoying this short story. Every time I read it, I catch some new detail that I missed the time before.
George and Lenny’s love for each other is palpable. It is a timeless story and message, yet paradoxically, might only be able to exist in its time. Much like all of Steinbeck’s work, it is a brilliant and human critique of the cruelty of capitalism. How it “breaks a man’s back” only to “shoot them in the back of the damn head” so to speak…
I am obsessed with the age old question, which might never have an answer. Is “Curly’s wife” named such because Steinbeck was a misogynist, who didn’t care to give her an actual name -or- is that a purposeful statement, pointing to the inherent misogyny of the time and setting and circumstance? If I had to bet, I’d say a little column A, little column B.
(As a side note: damn! Y’all can’t leave Crooks alone?)
Readers beware that this book uses the N word about 56,000 times in a total of 3 pages. (I’m not an idiot. I do understand the unfortunate contextual use within the setting and historical precedent. Still though, as a modern reader, it is jarring to say the least.)
This latest read through was maybe my fifth or sixth time enjoying this short story. Every time I read it, I catch some new detail that I missed the time before.
I am obsessed with the age old question, which might never have an answer. Is “Curly’s wife” named such because Steinbeck was a misogynist, who didn’t care to give her an actual name -or- is that a purposeful statement, pointing to the inherent misogyny of the time and setting and circumstance? If I had to bet, I’d say a little column A, little column B.
(As a side note: damn! Y’all can’t leave Crooks alone?)
Readers beware that this book uses the N word about 56,000 times in a total of 3 pages. (I’m not an idiot. I do understand the unfortunate contextual use within the setting and historical precedent. Still though, as a modern reader, it is jarring to say the least.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Death, Misogyny, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racism, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Gun violence
abbyreadsbigbooks123's review against another edition
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail