The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck REVIEW

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[Amy-vryt]

The first chapter blew me away so much I said ‘wow’ and went back and re read it before carrying on with the rest of the novel- never done that before or since!

[crockermobile]

Nice touch with the grapes in the background

[ThePortjumper]

Grapes of Wrath is a masterful novel, wonderfully and quintessentially American, in the best way.

It will be a timeless novel, so long as there are oppressed classes in the world and so long as those classes seek a voice in literature.

[athertonca]

Thank you for your insightful analysis of one of the great American novels. Grapes of Wrath is my second favorite novel, after The Great Gatsby. I re-read it for the third time this summer and it was just as powerful. As a Californian, I recall the term “okie” still being used as a derogatory term. One of humanity’s worst tendencies is the need to look down on others to validate self worth.

[JesusIzAPunkRocker]

Another great review! I love your analysis and commentary. I enjoyed GoR much more this time than in high school.

The overt commentary on the plight of workers v owners, immigrants v natives, haves v have nots was very powerful.

[albzfinest]

I think since you enjoyed The Grapes of Wrath, you’ll really enjoy Germinal by Emile Zola. As well as Steinbeck’s In Dubious Battle. Some other recommendations: Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser and The 42nd Parallel by John Dos Passos. Early 20th century American literature is fantastic.

[faridamohammed]

Thank you for making this captivating and comprehensive review of Grapes of Wrath. It has inspired me to finally read the book after putting it off for years!

[vishalgautam]

Aah... Recently read Grapes of Wrath after having it on my list for a while. I think Grapes of Wrath with North and South by John Jakes and Gone With the Wind and Beloved by Morrison are four novels everyone who wants to understand the American way of life and Fiction should read.

[jnbfilm]

Nice looking grapes there on the left. Great review, great content as always.

[rowanschwartzwald]

I recently reread the Grapes of Wrath for my American Literature class at university. I'm writing my final paper on the relationship between migration in the 30's and current day migration from Latin America into the states. Keep up the great work I always look forward to your literary insights!

[goldmourn]

This was magnificent to listen to and I adore your bookshelves. This also makes me want to revisit 'The Grapes of Wrath' however I think I am still traumatized by the ending from when I read it years ago. Great insight. Good to share your thoughts on the parallels between then and now.

[SevenFootPelican]

This is a really well done review! Thanks

[northwestpsychfest]

Hey, thanks for reviewing GOW. It's in my top ten all time novels. I find the writing alone to be sublime. On another topic all together, I'd love to get your take on Paul Bowles' The Sheltering Sky. Have you read it?

[gobbagu]

As a writer competing with the contemporary political commentary of Family Guy, South Park, etc. I find modernist literature so hard to read. But you make me want to get outside of myself and read this book, to understand the experiences that make the characters change. That’s so different from what I’m after — absurdism, capturing attention immediately, and then releasing it. I gotta read this book, thanks dude!

[ayesha]

I'm so glad to see you're also a Steinbeck fan! He is one of my favorite authors. I haven't read The Grapes of Wrath yet, unfortunately, but I definitely need to soon.
His handwriting is immensely cool... I have never heard of the manuscript edition.

As an American, I've never been a huge fan of most American culture or writers, but Steinbeck is one of the exception, even though his works are "very American". Somehow the way he does it is incredibly endearing, rather than embarrassing or arrogant. The way you describe the book as characteristic of pre-Cold War US is really interesting too, I didn't think of it in that way.

After seeing your review, I think when I finally go into reading this book, I'll be much better informed on what and how to think about it. Thanks for that.

East of Eden is one of my favorites, so I'm curious as to how you say that The Grapes of Wrath is more successful, in a way.

[sammoretti]

I agree with most of what you say. However the "tragedy and hope" doesn't fit your initial prerequisites for a good novel. However, are you familiar with this book? Would you consider and what is your definition of a novel?

[melissahouse]

Really a great review.. timely from my perspective too; GOW marked a turning point in my reading life as a teen, i did not get on with it & infact it put me off alot (bar a few) classic American novels of that era. Something recently made me want to challenge that experience & i ordered East Of Eden (not quite ready to return to GOW) &.. i really hope at the ripe 'ol' age of 49 i will find it an immersive experience that marks yet another turning point.. & who knows might come full circle back to GOW. : )

[anonymous]

Is that a collection of the Penguin clothbound classics in the corner of the frame? How many of these do you own? Would really enjoy a video going through your favorite book publishers and reading on paperback versus electronic? Thanks!

[rtbuck]

I would really like to experience you reviewing my favorite Steinbeck novel — Tortilla Flat.

[therasbull]

Always found Steinbeck to be a genius, but a tough read. So depressing