Of Mice and Men (1937)

A short story that delivers amazing insight into the lives of poor itinerant farm workers as well as the relationship between two who travel together with one looking after his less than bright mate. A tragedy that you can see coming but that is delivered without over-dramatising. ( )

2020 reread:

Wow, I had forgotten how powerful this tragic novella is! I am increasing my rating from 4 stars to 5. ( )

Last week I was reading Stephen King's historical science fiction thriller romance story [b:11.22.63|10866286|11.22.63|Stephen King|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327878078s/10866286.jpg|15553789]. At one point the narrator, a high school English teacher, is directing a stage production of this John Steinbeck novel. We're shown the ending, and even through the multiple layers of meta-fiction it was crushingly emotive. Still, I figured that I was now braced for the real thing and would be able to read it with a dry stoicism, enjoying the work without having my emotions dragged back through the wringer. But I guess Robert Burns was right when he drunkenly slurred: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley.” Whatever you say, Robert, now just blow into this bag please.

Suffice it to say that forewarned was not quite the same as forearmed when it came to this novel. The story is short and the prose punchy, and it's such a beautiful little work that even if you know the details of the plot inside out (and they're not hard to fathom in advance even if you don't) it's impossible not to be utterly caught up and swept away by the touching story of Lennie and George. ( )

Last week I was reading Stephen King's historical science fiction thriller romance story [b:11.22.63|10866286|11.22.63|Stephen King|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327878078s/10866286.jpg|15553789]. At one point the narrator, a high school English teacher, is directing a stage production of this John Steinbeck novel. We're shown the ending, and even through the multiple layers of meta-fiction it was crushingly emotive. Still, I figured that I was now braced for the real thing and would be able to read it with a dry stoicism, enjoying the work without having my emotions dragged back through the wringer. But I guess Robert Burns was right when he drunkenly slurred: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley.” Whatever you say, Robert, now just blow into this bag please.

Suffice it to say that forewarned was not quite the same as forearmed when it came to this novel. The story is short and the prose punchy, and it's such a beautiful little work that even if you know the details of the plot inside out (and they're not hard to fathom in advance even if you don't) it's impossible not to be utterly caught up and swept away by the touching story of Lennie and George. ( )

Too vulgar for school?
An uncomfortable read,
worth the couple hours. ( )