A review by melk
The Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck

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.