A review by euangepp
In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck
4.0
One of Steinbeck’s strengths is how his dialogue highlights the idiosyncrasies of all his characters, and this book allows this to shine. In many ways this feels like Steinbeck at his most stripped back - a tale of migrant workers entirely focused on their lives over a few days. But this novel has an incredible energy which brings the setting to life. The narrative ebbs and flows with several climaxes throughout. A stark and realistic portrait of migrant worker life, laced with the energy of strikes and communism, with the ending hinting at the cyclical nature and arguable futility of the labour movement.
Jim joins communist party following in his dads footsteps and is then sent to some guys who are also in charge of starting strikes. Him and Mac go to Torgas Valley because they’re cutting wages for labourers. They go to Al and get pointed towards the camp. Start chatting to guys and help a woman give birth.
Work on orchard next day and start chatting to see how the guys feel. Dan is an old top faller who was about when the Wobblies were working (labour union). That nigjt they go to a man on another farm.
We see there is an air of hesitancy to “organising” but it must be done.
Next day they once again chat to more people. A man comes up and reveal that some people know Jim and Mac are “reds”.
Dan falls out of a tree. People get mad at how bad the ladders are. Mac sees that this will help incite them to strike. London becomes chairman. Mac and Jim get permission for everyone to camp on Als dads orchard. More threats arrive.
Spoiler
Jim joins communist party following in his dads footsteps and is then sent to some guys who are also in charge of starting strikes. Him and Mac go to Torgas Valley because they’re cutting wages for labourers. They go to Al and get pointed towards the camp. Start chatting to guys and help a woman give birth.
Work on orchard next day and start chatting to see how the guys feel. Dan is an old top faller who was about when the Wobblies were working (labour union). That nigjt they go to a man on another farm.
We see there is an air of hesitancy to “organising” but it must be done.
Next day they once again chat to more people. A man comes up and reveal that some people know Jim and Mac are “reds”.
Dan falls out of a tree. People get mad at how bad the ladders are. Mac sees that this will help incite them to strike. London becomes chairman. Mac and Jim get permission for everyone to camp on Als dads orchard. More threats arrive.