Title: Of Mice and Men

Author: John Steinbeck  

Genre:Classic Literature

Publisher: Penguin Books

Format: Paperback

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The compelling story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world. Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing in the world except each other and a dream–a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California’s Salinas Valley, but their hopes are doomed as Lennie, struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy, becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes such as the friendship of a shared vision, and giving voice to America’s lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men has proved one of Steinbeck’s most popular works, achieving success as a novel, a Broadway play and three acclaimed films.

Review:

This book was heartbreaking and brilliant! This is my first Steinbeck and I was not disappointed. His ability to construct characters and elicit empathy for them is amazing, as well as establishing a strong setting for those characters.

George and Lenny are the two main characters. They are on their way to a new job on a ranch after having to leave their last job. George complains that if it weren’t for Lenny, George would have a wonderful life; but he has to take care of Lenny. Lenny just wants to stay with George and have their own ranch one day; and to tend the rabbits! Lenny doesn’t understand what he does, and he doesn’t understand how his actions have consequences! As a reader, your heart immediately goes out to both characters, but especially Lenny because he doesn’t understand!

The writing and the characters are amazing in this book and it’s a nice short read if you’ve been looking for a short classic.

Happy reading!