Powerful portrayal of a family (Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck)

Member Name: mcader

Product:	Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
Date:	26/02/09 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Family values in vivid writing

Disadvantages: Long but necessary

This famous book appears notable for its portrayal of American history but upon reading I found it set for a long-lasting place in my own memory through the portrayal of the family we follow through the book.


Steinbeck is just so deft at dialogue and realism that when he writes and arranges his fiction, the detail and power shine through in condensed, gripping senses of reality that he is fully in control of... And this control comes down on the subtle tendency to oppression that will emerge in poorly organised occurrences of history such as the migration of workers to California. We are given a grass roots view that is broken by chapters of hind-sight. But it's the family ties; the unsung heroines that are Mothers and daughters everywhere; the courage and resilience summoned within the fathers and sons that strives onwards but can give out at sudden moments.


A pivotal, farewell scene between the two characters fighting hardest to keep the family together - Ma and her eldest son - is both defeated and triumphant.


The understanding about humanity is huge within this book, and the strength of people united or decisive through sheer necessity casts a wise and heroic light over all who read and follow to the end. Nature is also beautifully captured to reflect the next scenes of hardship or dramas that continually mould the characters.


The story might have carried on, but the message and the fate by the end has been sufficiently highlighted and sung by Steinbeck in fine words to live long in literature.

Summary: The understanding about humanity is huge within this book