A classic worth discovering (Cannery Row - John Steinbeck)

Member Name: englishdavid

Product:	Cannery Row - John Steinbeck
Date:	09/06/09 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to pick up, hard to put down

Disadvantages: None

Cannery Row was written by John Steinbeck in 1945. John, of part-Irish, part-German descent, was 43 at the time of writing.

Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California. After dropping out of Stanford University in his early 20s circumstances saw him eventually living and writing in Monterey which is how he came to know Cannery Row, about which he writes so fondly and vividly.

The novel then is based on an actual area in Monterey known as Cannery Row, so called because of the huge concentration of sardine canneries which proliferated the area during the last century. Cannery Row still exists, albeit these days it is a beautifully quaint tourist trap full of little restaurants, artisan shops and other stores which sell memorabilia created around Steinbeck. I was lucky enough to visit just a couple of years ago and can recommend a visit, but that's a whole different review!

The book paints a vivid picture of the inhabitants of the Row and, through a series of interlinked stories, describes a period of American History through the Great Depression.

The main thread of the story centres around Mack, a poor but well-respected alcoholic and part-time con man, and the friends with whom he shares his home, a place affectionately known as 'The Palace Flophouse and Grill'. The boys decide to throw a party for another resident of Cannery Row known as the Doc. Things don't go quite according to plan and the party-goers end up completely wrecking Doc's home. So, quite naturally, Mack decides that the best possible way to make amends and get back into Doc's good-books is to throw another party...

Of the 19 novels that Steinbeck penned, Cannery Row is one of the better known. It's a rather short read but rewards with an enjoyable story, wonderful characters and bittersweet plot twists. In these days where people are starting to recognise the dangers of rampant consumerism (thank you, credit-crunch), Cannery Row proves just how insignificant material wealth is compared to more important factors like friendship and love.

Thoroughly recommended.

Cannery Row is available for £5.99 on Amazon.

Summary: Vivid and evocative portrait of 'simpler' times