The Grapes of Wrath (1939)

I was supposed to read this classic as a senior in high school. Instead, I read the Cliff’s Notes version. Knowing what I know now, I would have read this book on its own. It stands as one of the greatest pieces of fiction in the English language, certainly one of the greatest pieces set in America. Steinbeck rightfully won a Pulitzer Prize for it, and eighty years later, it evokes deep feelings of human dignity.

Set in the Depression-era western United States, this story tells of a family who leaves their farm in Oklahoma since the so-called Dust Bowl has trampled opportunities for farmers. They leave for California, which promises a land of plenty and of high wages for migrant workers. The land-of-plenty part turned out to be true, but the economy was caught in the unhealthy effects of a two-class system, filled with oligarchy and collusion.

With this economic backdrop, Steinbeck then explores the variegated cultural dynamics surrounding migrant workers in California. Hoovervilles, government camps, and other migrant settings fill their journey. In a dramatic final scene, this family conveys human dignity to strangers despite being universally demeaned in the California economy by greedy landlords.

Steinbeck captures it all in this moving classic. He fills every-other chapter with a depersonalized story of the land. This functions to increase the intrigue and heighten the drama. It’s easy to see why this has been called a quintessential American story. It involves many themes that constituted twentieth-century life. While certainly not hopeful, this tale still pulls in sentiments of a deep humanity. In an age where Americans seem at each others’ throats with political strife, this book can remind us of the simple virtue of doing good to our neighbors. ( )

Steinbeck nails the true nature of man in this book; the good, the bad and the ugly. In this regard the Grapes of Wrath is a great read and definite classic. But the constant use of bad language in the dialog, especially taking the Lord‘s name in vain, made it difficult for me to read at times. Bad language does nothing to enhance a story and the older I get, the less I can tolerate it. Here it reduced a great book to merely good. ( )

I read this during Covid lockdown, giving it extra significance with the rash of unemployment and looming evictions and corporate relief instead of working class social programs. America has not changed so much. What an abrupt and devastating ending. ( )

I read this during Covid lockdown, giving it extra significance with the rash of unemployment and looming evictions and corporate relief instead of working class social programs. America has not changed so much. What an abrupt and devastating ending. ( )

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Why I picked this book up: I read this book in high school. I grew up in Los Angeles in a middle class family with mother, father and two siblings. We were never in need and my wife was born in the beauty of Monterey. I decided to reread about Joads family from Oklahoma to the promised land in California where they wanted to work the land. I am also employed by the state of CA in a max security prison.

Thoughts: economics during the dust bowl is captured very well by Steinbeck. Wage slicing, the reality of needs to address hunger the social aspects, were very powerful and made me consider what I would do in a situation living with my wife and children at that time. The family dynamic’s sticking to it, brother coming from jail following his good behavior which brought thoughts of my work to this family.

Why I finished this read: overall, I loved this book. It is rather slow getting started but as it developed it became more and more riveting. The political, economic issues this book brings up, family factors and what I would do living in times like this and watching society today made it easy to finish this book again.

I rated this book at 5 out of 5 stars. ( )