Stephen Barkley
John Steinbeck (1902–1968) is a legend. His writing transports readers into the world of the impecunious, those whose luck has run out but are still trying to make a go of it, anyway.
This collection contains six short novels:
- Tortilla Flat
- The Moon is Down
- The Red Pony
- Of Mice and Men
- Cannery Row
- The Pearl
Of these, Tortilla Flat and Cannery Row were the clear stand-outs. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the antics of Mack and the boys from Canary Row inspired the antics of Lloyd and Harry in Dumb and Dumber. But where Dumb and Dumber pure comedy, reveling in the stupidity of its lead actors, Steinbeck brings out the humanity of Mack and the boys. They want to do good, but can’t seem to do it. They are Romans 7:14–20 brought to life.
Of Mice and Men is perhaps Steinbeck’s most famous short novel, the story of George and Lennie trying to save up enough of a nest-egg to purchase a property of their own. The pathos of this novelette, especially in the last scene, hits like a truck.
Of all the short novels, The Red Pony is the weakest. I only learned after reading it that it was released chapter-by-chapter as a serial over a number of years. The disjointed story telling reflects its origin.
Reading Steinbeck will increase your capacity to empathize. I’ve encountered no other author who tweak your heart to care for his characters in fewer words. Legendary.
Steinbeck, John. The Short Novels of John Steinbeck. Penguin Classics, 2009.
