Reviews

Krysantemum by John Steinbeck, Alva Dahl

alishaabrahamsreads's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed the subversion of what the chrysanthemums meant in this story. Usually flowers symbolize femininity, gentleness, and innocence—but in this story we see how the chrysanthemums have a “bitter” or even “nasty” smell, pushing the idea of them further, perhaps as a way to represent Elisa herself. Elisa starts with a happy and strong countenance, but after the tinker comes along, she seems to be unsatisfied with her life. The sexual undertone of the flower planting ritual as well as her dissatisfaction with being an “old woman” and not being able to travel, watch fights, etc. like men do, seem to amalgamate into a story of a womens limits in this society. Elisa cannot be spontaneous like the tinker and even has to ask her husband if they can drink wine, both showing her lack of agency and control over her own desires. Elisa must be fine with the life she has, because she cannot have anything more. 

melk's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Really enjoyed this beautiful short story by John Steinbeck. As I'm currently also reading East of Eden for the first time and really absolutely loving it, I was also encouraged to read The Chrysanthemums. I found it also so thought-provoking, while being short. 

Steinbeck's writing gets the reader into such a flow. His characters are so human, so real, and there is so much left to ponder in every sentence. 

This short story follows Elisa Allen, a woman with much passion for gardening and taking a lot of pride in her work. She struggles with her own strength and her desire to share her passions, within a world that doesn't seem fit for her. 

iamgr00t's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.0

hanna_konneback's review

hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

thothgodofknowledge's review against another edition

reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

magis1105's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

tsundokumac's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

lalalily17's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is an interesting little story about a woman who feels trapped in her loveless marriage and boring life. Her only joy is growing chrysanthemums but she longs for more. She flirts with a man who lives the life of adventure she desires and he resists her advances, leaving her to live unhappily in her marriage. 

williamgideon's review

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

sunshinefalls's review against another edition

4.0

I love Steinbeck's style so much. After reading Of Mice and Men last year for English, I was curious to know what the author believed about the treatment and abilities of women. The complexities of Elisa in "The Chrysanthemums" pleasantly surprised me. To be honest, I teared up a little during my read; maybe I relate a little too much to the heart of a woman that pulls in different directions.