An excellent read (Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck)

Member Name: FilmstarUK

Product:	Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
Date:	15/09/00 (434 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Emotional

Disadvantages: A bit predictable

In my opinion, "Of Mice and Men" stands with Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Hemingway's "Sun Also Rises" as one of the best novels ever. While I normally try to avoid empty praise like this, a detailed account doing justice to Steinbeck's genius would be longer than the book itself!

In iceberg fashion, Steinbeck packs more emotion, characterization and eloquence into this novella than most books four times its length. The relationship between Lenny and George,portrayed almost entirely through dialogue, allowing the reader a freer interpretation, is not only believable, it is true. This relationship, the core of the novel, is beautifully highlighted and ornamented by the other characters and the reletively simplistic plot. Some critics may point out flaws in the work: lack of developed female characters, predictable outcome, cardboard supporting characters, etc. However, I disagree with many of these criticisms and would contend that even if they were true, they are a part of Steinbeck's pseudo-minimalism and serve to better illustrate that single, true, core relationship.

When reading "Of Mice and Men," don't expect a complex web of character interactions as with a mystery or adventure. Don't expect Steinbeck to create a rich, tangible mood like Conrad. And don't expect Hemingway's bare, photo-realistic portrait of human emotion and experience. Instead, expect a simple novel, with seemingly simple characters and a simple, loving relationship ending in tragedy. All of it 100% true.

Summary: