Review of an American classic: Of Mice and Men (Mateo Hernandez)
Review of an American classic: Of Mice and Men
Sometimes when you look at a book
that claims it’s a ‘classic’ you might dismiss it at first glance. “Oh, it’s
too old,” or “Well, this doesn’t matter anymore or have meaning today.”
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is one classic that is worth your time.
Back in my subbie year my reading teacher assigned our class the banned book project, in which you read and review a banned or challenged book. So, after looking through my options, I decided on this book because I knew Steinbeck was a recognized author of American classics.
Of Mice and Men follows
two migrant ranch workers who lived during the Great Depression and traveled to
central California where they found grunt work on different ranches. The main
characters, George and Lennie, dream of earning enough money so they can buy
their own ranch one day and ‘live off the fatta the land.’ These men are an
unlikely pair. Lennie is an incredibly strong man whose childlike mind gets him
into trouble. George is like a big brother to Lennie, always working and
helping to keep Lennie in line.
This story of two best friends is heartwarming to me. Despite their differences, George and Lennie have a strong bond and Steinbeck describes this unlikely friendship well. Unfortunately, they don’t achieve their dream because Lennie gets into irreversible trouble with the ranch supervisor and his wife, unintentionally committing manslaughter. At the end of the book, George takes the life of his special friend to save him from imprisonment and murder, an act of mercy and compassion.
This short novel is a beautifully written story. I especially enjoyed that
it gives the reader a glimpse of how life was back in the Great Depression.
Plus, it’s a short read or novella that draws the reader into the complex
world of George and Lennie. Through their story, Steinbeck demonstrates that themes
of friendship, dreams, and loss are still relevant in our time.
If you’re looking for a deep American story that is a relatively short
read, then Of Mice and Men is perfect for you.
Hi Mateo, my brother read this book! He always talked about how much he loved it. The way you described the novella makes me want to read it as well. But I feel like you might have spoiled the book a little by saying that Lennie committed manslaughter and was killed by George. I think the author meant to keep the last part a surprise? Also, what is "fatta"? Is that some kind of slang? But other than that I think the overall book review is excellent. Great job, Mateo!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Mateo! I love your introduction for the review. I was also thinking about reading this book for the banned book project, but, unfortunately, I didn't. This review really interested me, and I think that I'll read the book soon!
ReplyDeleteMateo! This is one of my favorite books and one I am currently re-reading right now. You describe and capture the book main themes pretty well! Good job!
ReplyDeleteHey Mateo. I remember watching your book talk from the Banned Book Project last year and finding it very interesting. Unfortunately I forgot to read it over the summer (😅). I was a bit confused at the last part of why George decided to take the life of his good friend and if that was his only option. So I became very interested (once again) to read this book, and this time I will make sure to read it!
ReplyDeleteMuy bien!
Fabulous book review, Mateo! I remember first hearing about this book during the last year, but I didn't know much about it at that time. I'll definitely consider reading this book. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteAwesome book review Mateo. I really don't know much about the Great Depression. Maybe I shoudl give this book a try!
ReplyDelete