Description
Product details
| Authors | John Steinbeck |
| Publisher | Penguin Books Uk |
| Languages | English |
| Product format | Paperback |
| Released | 06.07.2017 |
| EAN | 9780241980330 |
| ISBN | 978-0-241-98033-0 |
| No. of pages | 112 |
| Dimensions | 111 mm x 181 mm x 6 mm |
| Series |
Penguin Modern Classics Penguin Modern Classics |
| Subjects |
Fiction
> Narrative literature
Monterey, FICTION / Literary, California, FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense, FICTION / Small Town & Rural, Classic fiction: general and literary, Monterey and the Central Coast |
Customer reviews
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Yesssssss !
"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck (1937)
In the 1930s, two day laborers travel across California looking for work on ranches. George looks after his childhood friend, Lennie, who is mentally challenged and cannot control his strength.
Don't confuse this book with "Of Mice and Murder" by Steffanie Holmes or with "A Case of Mice and Murder" by Sally Smith. These titles were, of course, inspired by this little masterpiece.
This novel is truly considered one of the masterpieces of 20th-century American literature and has been adapted into several films and plays. The story follows the characters of George and Lennie, two farm workers who dream of a better life during the Great Depression in the United States.
This book was the first one I read in English. I usually read my books in French, as it has become my mother tongue, the language I know best. It is also the first book I have seen a film adaptation of that did not disappoint me! Indeed, the 1992 adaptation, directed by the excellent Gary Sinise, who himself plays one of the leading roles alongside the great John Malkovich, is superb.
Two inseparable friends, Lennie and George, find themselves unemployed in California during the Great Depression, unable to hold down a job for long because of Lennie, who has the mental age of a child. Hired at the Tyler Ranch, they enjoy their work, despite the strict supervision of the cruel Curly, the boss's son. But their world falls apart when Curley's unfortunate wife becomes the innocent victim of Lennie's compassion, forcing George to make a compassionate decision as well.
It's hard to believe that this text was written in 1937! This is where we see that writing doesn't really age. The story has a certain simplicity that is very valuable. We see the power of friendship, but also the compromises and sacrifices that are sometimes necessary for survival.
I would have been better off not revealing anything about this breathtaking, harrowing, and powerful work, but why not, after all, so that those who want to discover it without knowing the story beforehand can still have a few clues.
John Steinbeck's literature has been rightly described as “literature of social commitment.” In addition to realism, there is also the grotesque, but not in an ironic way. It is impressive how well the novelist masters everyday language.
Common characteristics of socially committed literature include:
- A critique of society and its institutions
- A realistic portrayal of social issues
- An intention to raise readers' awareness of these issues
- A call to action or social change
- An exploration of the relationships between individuals and society
Examples of authors who have written socially engaged literature include:
- George Orwell (1984)
- Aldous Huxley (Brave New World)
- Toni Morrison (Beloved)
- Émile Zola (Germinal)
These literary works can have a significant impact on society by encouraging readers to reflect on social issues and take a stand.
One of the questions raised by the book concerns society itself: is it dominated by fear?
A pure gem from the great Steinbeck. I don't think I've ever read such a short book that has had such a powerful and lasting impact on me. Great books are not necessarily the most convoluted, labyrinthine, or endless. A book like this can offer the beauty and simplicity of a simple country road or a black-and-white photo with jagged edges.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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