John Steinbeck
1937
Around 115 pages
It's a real head-scratcher how this has earned its status as essential reading for high school Americans. I understand the skill behind this novel and the larger themes he is communicating, but you have to wonder which characters were thought to be relatable to teenagers. The only woman in this story barely gets her own name.
Two migrant field workers in California are best buddies. George is an intelligent but uneducated man, and Lenny is a mentally disabled giant who hugs puppies too hard. George looks out his friend, even when he gets into trouble.
I appreciate the brevity of this story, but I don't really like stories where women aren't allowed to feel or act like real people. Instead, they are just a plot device to bring out the best or worst in a male character. And it's quite a predictable story even if the finale hasn't been spoiled for you before.
The ending was unforgettable and it's no wonder it is so frequently referenced. But certainly not an old favorite for me.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
Of Mice and Men has been proposed for censorship 54 times since it was published in 1936.
Was intended to function as a novella and a script for a play.
UP NEXT: Murphy by Samuel Beckett
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