For someone who possesses a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, I’m a little ashamed of myself that it took me this long to delve into one of John Steinbeck’s works. The man is renowned as an author, with several incredibly successful publications, and while I might be lagging in getting around to reading his material, I figure late is better than never.
My mom is an avid fan of Steinbeck’s works, so when I told her I had started The Grapes of Wrath, she was very excited.
I didn’t even know what this book was about prior to reading it. I was familiar with its success, and I figured that was reason enough to give it a read, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that farming is a core theme of this novel.
This story follows a farming family, the Joads, living in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. Tom Joad Jr. has just been released from prison for murder, and upon returning to his family’s farm, he is shocked to discover that most of the farmers in their neighbourhood have been forced to abandon their homes, lands and crops because of mounting pressure of foreclosure from the banks. He reconnects with his family, and the story depicts their gruelling journey to California, where they have been told they can find work, shelter, food and supplies.
The Grapes of Wrath is subject to quite a bit of controversy because of its focus on the abuse endured by migrant workers during the Great Depression, and, personally, I think it is a book everyone could stand to benefit from reading. It might be the most riveting story I’ve read, but it is important to educate ourselves on what truly occurred in the farming realm during the Great Depression.
This book is absolutely a read and not a rid.
Photo by Andrea Cairone on Unsplash
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