Of Mice and Men by Jhon Steinbeck Book Review
This book follows two main characters Lennie, a disabled man, and George, his bestfriend, during the Great Depression. They escape from their anterior location due to a misunderstanding of rape accused at Lennie. They arrive at a new workplace and settle in to earn some money in a farm. They have the typical "American dream" of making enough money to buy themselves a house and their own little farm. Though, trouble seems to arrive with Curley, the boss's son, and his attention-seeking wife. After an unfortunate event between Lennie and Curley's wife, things start going downhill.
Let me just start with saying that this book was really interesting although very tragic. I think that Lennie was generally a misunderstood character by the rest of the characters. Though, it was really nice to see George stay besides Lennie all the way to the end. Their friendship lit up a spark of hope through the mist of turbulence.
I don't think I've ever read an ending as sad as this one. I feel like if there was more of a disability awareness or more support for it, there would have been a different outcome in the end. I think this sorrowful ending really catches to attention an aspect of the world that is not so friendly.
I honestly thought that at some point Lennie and George would achieve their ultimate goal. Everything seemed to be good so far ,so I just expected for it to happen and for their story to have a nice and happy ending. The author foreshadowed what would happen for the end, but I don't think I quite caught it to the full extent.
This book contains some strong language ,but I think that this shouldn't be a hinderance to reading this book. Some of the characters do use some racist language ,but I believe that this only lets us imagine more of the world that the characters are placed in and that the book itself is not trying to promote racist believes. I wouldn't recommend this to the young side of the audience, but an audience who have a level of maturity and who are interested in seeing of what the world could have been like "back then".
-Elda
Hi Elda! I really liked your review. One thing I thought was interesting was how you foreshadowed what would happen to Lennie at the end and framed its important, however, did not give it away. That part got me very interested into the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Elda. I remember reading this book and not realizing what was happening until the page leading up to the plot twist. I don't remember any foreshadowing in the book so I might not have been paying attention that much. Your point on the racist language is an interesting debate.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely gave some good reasonings as to why the ending of the book was sad or tragic, but I feel like you should also include some more details in the book as to why we should be attached to these characters. A little hint as to why the ending was also sad would be nice to include too.
ReplyDeleteI love Of Mice and Men! I read this book for one of my blog posts earlier this year, and even though the ending is super sad, I think the morals it provided from the 1900s still hold true today. I agree when you say that the ending is super tragic, and I loved your description of what George and Lennie were doing in California; their pursuit of the "American dream" was so sad, because they were only after happiness, which everybody wants in one way or another. I think the saddest part of the book was when Lennie kept asking George to tell him about what their life was going to be like after they succeeded, and it was heartbreaking that they never got to realize it. I also think it was amazing that you mentioned the strong language in Of Mice and Men! It has been banned a lot, but I agree that it's definitely a worthwhile read. Great review Elda! I loved your take on the book :)
ReplyDeleteHi Elda, I've heard of "Of Mice and Men", but I've never read it. After reading your review and learning what the book is about, I find it very interesting and what to try and read it. The relationship between George and Lennie seems very unique and interesting, so I would like to read it.
ReplyDeleteHey Elda! I loved your review of this intriguing novel. I have heard a lot about the plot of the novel and how complex each character is. You packaged a clear summary, sorrowful plot, and wonderful story-telling into one review. I have to read this book. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I wonder what living through the Great Depression taught the main characters; I've never seen that setting before! It's been I while since I had a good book-cry, so I might check it out.
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