The Pearl by John Steinbeck
I had not read this book before this week and I feel I should have read it years ago. If you haven't read it, please do. It has a great story, not at all the "fluff" we so often find in books. There are many moral lessons and is a fantastic read.
Consider this, my almost 15yo son (who loathes reading) is excited about this book and can't wait to see how it ends.
It's a short story, not long at all. I easily read it in one day's time.
It is an easy read, but it wasn't very appealing. Of course, I didn't really like Grapes of Wrath either. I just didn't really care much for his style.
ReplyDeleteCertain authors appeal to certain readers, that's for sure. I believe we have other books we disagree about as well. ;)
ReplyDeleteI found Steinbeck's Pearl to be a very interesting read. The story was filled with action although not overwhelming and/or pointless action. There were reflective, quiet moments which warmed my soul. (Steinbeck's description of the Song of the Family, for example.)
I believe there are many different moral lessons involved as well and have marvelled at the differences of interpretation between different readers.
I found the symbolic description of the surrounding area (background) to be wonderfully written as well. Steinbeck used the animals, plants and even the weather to mirror his character's plight.
The sad ending is a rare find these days and I believe it is important that not all books end "happily ever after" as very few situations in real life rarely do.
I also greatly appreciate Steinbeck's ability to convey the importance of an education in this tale. An education for one character would have meant freedom for all his people. That's a powerful and completely true statement. I believe the story helps children understand an education is highly important.
As a teacher's note I would highly recommend anyone reading The Pearl with children also take a moment to discuss Thomas Jefferson's opinions of an educated society. His views were quite similar; eduation = freedom.