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Of Mice and Men Mass market paperbound - 1983
by John Steinbeck
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About this book
Of Mice and Men is a novella written by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. Published in 1937, it tells the tragic story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers during the Great Depression in California.
An intimate portrait of two men who cherish the slim bond between them and the dream they share in a world marred by petty tyranny, misunderstanding, jealousy, and callousness. Clinging to each other in their loneliness and alienation, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie dream, as drifters will, of a place to call their own—a couple of acres and a few pigs, chickens, and rabbits back in Hill Country where land is cheap. But after they come to work on a ranch in the fertile Salinas Valley of California, their hopes, like "the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men," begin to go awry. Of Mice and Men explores themes of human interaction, dependence, and the damaging effects of isolation. (Goodreads)
An intimate portrait of two men who cherish the slim bond between them and the dream they share in a world marred by petty tyranny, misunderstanding, jealousy, and callousness. Clinging to each other in their loneliness and alienation, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie dream, as drifters will, of a place to call their own—a couple of acres and a few pigs, chickens, and rabbits back in Hill Country where land is cheap. But after they come to work on a ranch in the fertile Salinas Valley of California, their hopes, like "the best-laid schemes o' mice an' men," begin to go awry. Of Mice and Men explores themes of human interaction, dependence, and the damaging effects of isolation. (Goodreads)
Summary
Streetwise George and his big, childlike friend Lennie are drifters, searching for work in the fields and valleys of California. They have nothing except the clothes on their back, and a hope that one day they'll find a place of their own and live the American dream. But dreams come at a price. Gentle giant Lennie doesn't know his own strength, and when they find work at a ranch he gets into trouble with the boss's daughter-in-law. Trouble so bad that even his protector George may not be able to save him ...
Reader reviews for Of Mice and Men
Review summary
Readers largely view Steinbeck’s novella as brief, accessible, and emotionally searing. Many praise its spare, vivid prose and dialogue, its focus on friendship, loneliness, and the fragility of the American Dream, and the steady foreshadowing that leads to a devastating ending. The book’s status in classrooms is repeatedly noted; reviewers find it highly teachable with rich themes, symbolism, and historical context. Some raise objections to racial slurs, sexism, and animal death, debating its suitability for schools while acknowledging the period portrayal. Detractors cite a slow pace, minimal plot, or dated elements, but the prevailing sentiment holds it a memorable classic that lingers after the last page.
Readers say this book is:
quick readheartbreakingbleakthought-provokingclassicvivid prosecharacter-driventeachablecontroversialslow for someWrite a review for this book
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First edition identification
Covici-Friede Publishing published the First Edition, First Printing hardcover in New York, 1937.
Heinemann published a First UK hardcover Edition in London, 1937.
Details
- Title Of Mice and Men
- Author John Steinbeck
- Binding Mass Market Paperbound
- Edition Later Printing
- Pages 118
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Bantam Books, New York, New York
- Publication date September 1, 1983
- ISBN 9780553266757 / 0553266756
- Weight 0.14 lbs (0.06 kg)
- Reading level 630
- Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC
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Of Mice and Men : The Play
by Steinbeck, John
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Of Mice and Men
by Steinbeck, John
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