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'Of Mice and Men' rating:  
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This is a less demanding book than 'The Grapes of Wrath' (see below). It tells the story of a giant simpleton, Lennie, and his friend George. The two men harbour a dream of breaking free of seasonal work, and of setting up a peaceful farm on their own. Lennie is a very sweet-tempered man-child; but his slow wits and immense strength conspire against him to ruin their idyllic plans. Like 'The Old Man and the Sea' (Hemingway), this is a very simple, moving tale of hope and disillusionment. A good film version of this book has been made, starring John Malkovich and Gary Sinise. Click here to buy 'Of Mice and Men' ($5.56), or to read more reviews. |
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'The Grapes of Wrath' rating:
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'The Grapes of Wrath' is a classic book - probably one of the strongest accounts of poverty ever written. It follows the Joad family as drought (see Dorothea Lang's famous dustbowl photo here) destroys their farming livelihood and they, like so many others in 1930s America, are forced to go to California and take miserable fruit-picking jobs. The characters are beautifully drawn, and the story believable and hugely involving. John Ford's film version is generally thought very highly of. Click here to buy it ($9.56), or to read more reviews. |
