nut free nerd

Steinbeck feels like such a summer author to me. This summer I read two of his novels: Tortilla Flat (1935) and The Pearl (1947). Although these aren’t my favorite Steinbeck novels that I’ve read so far — I just didn’t connect with the characters or story as much as I did when reading East of Eden or Cannery Row — I’m still so glad I got a chance to read them over the past few months.

Tortilla Flat is the bittersweet story of a group of friends trying to live and make ends meet in a district called Tortilla Flat. This novel is characteristically Steinbeck: it focuses on the daily lives of ordinary people, the setting is like a character in and of itself, and the writing is engaging. The bonds between Danny, the main character, and his friends made me want to reach out to all the friends I haven’t caught up with in a while. These characters aren’t perfect, but that’s what makes them so easy to root for: Steinbeck embraces their flaws in a way that reminds us of ourselves. I liked how this novel has an arc and a clear trajectory, but simultaneously feels like you’re reading little vignettes in the moment.

The Pearl, a novella, reads almost like a parable warning the reader against the perils of greed. Inspired by a Mexican folk tale, Steinbeck tells the story of a pearl diver who discovers “The Pearl of World” and seeks to heal his sick infant with medical services in exchange for it. Once again, the town acts almost like a character in and of itself, like the voice of a chorus reverberating throughout. I read the first half of this novella while lying on the beach one overcast afternoon, and it was the perfect backdrop. This was another quick read with beautiful writing.

Have you read anything by Steinbeck? I’d love to know.

Take care xx