Sign in with FacebookMalcolm David Logan's Reviews > The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath
by John Steinbeck
by John Steinbeck
Malcolm David Logan's review
Dec 15, 07
Recommended for:
people over the age of 30
Read in December, 2007
Whenever I revisit a classic I'm struck by how much more I get out of it now than I did when I was 24 or 19 or, God forbid, 15. Giving a book like the Grapes of Wrath to a 15 year old serves largely to put them off fine literature for the rest of their lives. The depth of understanding and compassion for the human condition as communicated by a book like this is simply unfathomable to those who haven't lived much life yet, but after you've gotten a healthy dose of living, it comes across like fine music to a trained ear. My heart doesn't bleed for the Joads today as it might have 25 years ago. Yes, it's grim and unfair, but it's no longer shocking or disturbing, and I can see now that Steinbeck didn't intend sensationalism to be the main point. What he's about is revealing the human dignity, the innate goodness and unbreakable pride of these people, and by extension the American people in general, something that still resonates today, especially with reference to the working classes. When the Joads and their kind decline government hand outs, requesting instead the simple opportunity to work hard and be rewarded commensurate with their labor (even if it means a grueling cross-country journey to a place they don't know) one can hear today's white working poors' exasperated disdain for government, insisting that they simply be allowed to keep more of their pay and not be held back in their efforts by nit-picking legalities and cultural trivialities that disapprove of their lifestyles. Sadly, most such people will never read the Grapes of Wrath. Worse yet, many liberal lawmakers won't read it again after high school and won't glean from it an essential understanding about the pride and perseverance of the American working class which the far right is playing like a fiddle much to the detriment of the entire nation. A book like the Grapes of Wrath should be required reading - for every American over 30.
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May 25, 2008 10:29am
Love your review. I just read the book at 34 years old for the first time, and I can't imagine I would have gotten as much out of it at 16 or even 25.
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Yes-thank goodness I never read this book in high school or even college. I read it for the first time in my forties and I was so struck by the similarities to my father's family. They were from northern Maine and came to CT in the 1950's looking for work. Thank goodness it wasn't the 1930's or their stories could have been just as sad. Anyway--thanks, Malcolm, for the only non-blow-hard review I've seen of this book.
Man i read this in high school and loved it. Its in my top five favorite books. I really hope it gets better with age like you say. I cant even imagine how much more ill get out of it.
I agree completely with your review. It would be lost on kids as whole, or even college kids who read it.I just finished it at 32 years old, and being a father, a small business owner, and coming from a working class family I can relate much better to this book.
I loved it. Loved every sentence in it. I think this book should be a mandatory for those over 30.
I also agree strongly with Malcolm's review. It hit me spot on. I believe I read this in my teens and now as I am 50, the book moved me. Unforgettable characters and themes. Highly skilled and thoughtful writing.Jean
Whenever I revisit a classic I'm struck by how much more I get out of it now than I did when I was 24 or 19 or, God forbid, 15. . - Amen!
i can't agere with you when you say that reading a book like this at 15 (or thereabouts) "serves largely to put them off fine literature for the rest of their lives", that's just ridiculous. maybe that's where you were at 15, but it's unfair to pidgeonhole a/any age group. my daughter LOVED steinbeck when she discovered his works at 14. i didn't particularly care for the genre at that age, but dutifully read several of his books for school. i have since reread them and yes, because of more life experience, enjoyed them at a greater depth than before. but "having" to read certain books in high school for a class or two certainly didn't turn me off of the classics or any other genre; what it did was expose me to many different types of books/writers/styles of writing and began to refine my tastes to where they are now (which is quite eclectic, i might add). RECOMMENDED: anyone, ANY age.
Davis wrote: "I'm 16 and I LOVED Grapes Of Wrath."I read this book last year when I was 12 for school and it wasn't that bad.
I think you underestimate 15 year olds, i loved your review except for the remarks of teenagers and YOUR politics. OMG sometimes you people piss me off. I started reading fine literature in 9th grade 13-14 and am 43 now and still love it, bet you dont even know who Bernard MAlmud is and i have known him since i was young, i have also raised my teens to appreciate and love literature, It all depends on the person and the way they are, I feel bad that you do not credit our teens with much more appreciation then you did at 15. Much less degrade the "poor white working class" with your remarks. God have pity on your soul.
Your review resonates strongly with mature realists who have lived life outside the comforts of a heavily insulated society. Steinbeck wrote in the spirit of representing the hardship and virtue of the working man and woman. I agree that life experience will always enhance a masterpiece like Grapes of Wrath; however, years lived does not always correlate with life experience. Many people choose to shelter themselves from the harsh realities of life. People are all created equal, but they never live equal. Being a certain race, religion, economic background, or gender will niether entitle you nor restrain you from a genuine ambition to better yourself, your family, your community, and your society. Some people were raised in a white middle class family, some in a rich black family, some in a poor hispanic family; each had thier own set of challenges and experiences that shaped them into the people they are. The question that is most important is whether or not they pushed, worked, strived for their betterment, or whether they just accepted what was handed to them. The Joads' and the families that they represent were only happy for what they worked for and the virtue that hard work and integrity grants those who pursue it. I believe that your review reflects much of the intended message that Steinbeck wanted his readers to learn. For this I believe that damnation from God or idealistic politicos is entirely inappropriate.
Perhaps some 15 year olds are wise enough to grasp the depth of this book, but I sure wasn't one of them. I just read it again at 32 and it blew me away. It resonated with me on so many levels. I think I may have been able to understand the theme of human compassion and the desperation of people who are broke and hungry, but I know I didn't comprehend how economics, politics, and social structures played into the story; the role of Jim Casy as a Christ figure; or the role of women in society, family dynamics, and survival. Interesting though--I think if "liberal lawmakers" read it today, they would feel extremely grateful for the intervention of government in industry, as I did. We can argue forever about how much intervention government should have, but Steinbeck makes it clear that laissez-faire economics leads to out-and-out abuse of workers.
Great review (even though I'm young). I feel like this a book I'm going to re-read many times in my life. And also that its one of the best books I've ever read
Been only 18, and having read the book at 16, I'm interested to know why I wouldn't be able to grasp the depths of this book? I thought I did, I thought Steinbeck wrote powerfully enough for anyone to understand the hardships, but then I guess I cant have done as I dont have the life experiance...
Sir, your comment on age is irrelevant. I, myself, am sixteen and have read very challenging and prominent books. Your comment and recommendation for the book, over thirty, is absolutely unorthodox. Many people, young or old, can read and comprehend this book. Age is but a number, a number showing status, but not intellect. Please keep that in mind before ridiculing young adults.
Just re-read this classic after 30+ years and I agree completely with your comments. Fortunately, reading GofW the first time did not put me off fine literature. So fun to come back later in life and read these wonderful classics and find the reading so enriched by all the life experiences we've had! What a joy!
Can someone pinpoint when the Joads "reject government handouts?" They leave the government camp, sure, but that's because they can't find work in the area and they're going to starve, not because they believe that all they need is work. Steinbeck, more than once, seems to say that more government aid in the form of providing for necessities is going to help, not hurt. If anything, Steinbeck criticizes the fact that the law enforcement is so strong, and that that's where the money is going instead.But then I'm only 17, so I obviously didn't understand this book. Oh well.
You are the kind of mouthy seppo which decent Americans must be ashamed of. You need to read the book with fresh eyes; perhaps you'll get what the book is all about in your late 80's, once you've experienced some REAL hardship - if you ever do, or did?
And what's with dissin' 15 year olds? And why do you think it should be an American must read. I'm an Aussie, I got it, and there's a shit load of Australian teens that would have a better understanding of Steinsbeck's novel than you mate.
Methinketh I smell a right wing propagandist?
Malcom, I very much agree with your review, though to less of an extent at certain points. I am, however, disappointed at how judgmental some of these replies are (May God have mercy on your soul? REALLY??). I would't go quite so far as to say that "Giving a book like the Grapes of Wrath to a 15 year old serves largely to put them off fine literature for the rest of their lives," but I do see how that can be the case (The Scarlet Letter almost did that for me). I did read it in high school and was moved, though I did not have the life experience to understand it as I did this time around, at 32. I'm sure that when I read it again at 60, it will be yet another experience for me. I would urge people who reply to do so without direct judgment of the reviewer, but instead to focus on his comments about the book itself. Thanks, Malcom!
I didn't say I didn't understand it, Adam, I said that I didn't understand it on the same level at 15 as I did with an additional 15 years of life experience under my belt. And I did not say I was an idiot at 15 - you called me that name on your own - something else I was more likely to do at that age, BTW. Thanks for further proving my point. :)
I enjoyed your review and thank you for it. I think the people who are arguing semantics here are missing your point. I can just imagine you shaking your head right now, and Steinbeck along with you. Of course you understand that people under thirty can comprehend works of literature. Of course you know that people over thirty can be idiots. There is variability, and you're a smart person. How do I know this? You and I both know the same thing: that every time you re-read a classic—say, Hamlet or Grapes of Wrath, for example—it gains new meaning and you gain new insight into it because you are at a different point in your life. You are a different person than you were when you read the book five years ago. You have new experience. You have new feelings. You've seen new things, stockpiled new information. Your situation in life is completely different. The book has new meaning because of that, and the themes cut all the more acutely. While I'm seventeen, I can't wait to read East of Eden by Steinbeck thirty years from now. And I think that, THAT, is the point you were trying to make, sir. And though I fell in love with Steinbeck's writing after East of Eden, I had read Grapes of Wrath beforehand and it turned me off completely. I hated it. Now I'm curious. Your points are valid, and while people complain about the politicization of your review, I think it serves as a good reminder to those who understand the true meaning of literature that they will still have satisfaction in the future after reading the same book five, ten, twenty times, all at different points in their lives.
Steinbeck seems to say that the Joads need more government intervention, not less. By the end of the book, they are in despair. If only the big businesses in the novel were controlled by some superior force -- government, perhaps? -- then there wouldn't have been the disaster that there was. The horribly low wages are a result of the "free market".
great review. i generally agree with the statement about the different grasps of the book from the ages of 15,24 or over 30. Not because some "intelligence" is mysteriously gained through age, but rather, having the luxury of time to experience life, raise a family, and fight to survive this world, the older you are, the more you may truly understand that intense desire to survive and having to be strong for other people who may depend on you, and may be better able to emotionally relate to the rock hard strength of a Ma Joad.
I am so glad that I read your review. I read this book when I was 20 and was kind of put off by it, not understanding why it was a classic. Really, confused by the book, asking everyone I knew if they read the book and their thoughts on it (not alot of people read it). I intend to pick this book up again and really find out why it is a classic, now that I have more life experiences behind me :)
I was just thinking I ought to give this book another chance, as when I read it as an assignment at age 15, I absolutely hated it. Thank you for the first couple lines of your review. I'm going to give it another shot.
I rarely enjoy any book I am required to read. The idea that it is required is counter to the idea of recreational reading. After being forced to read Crime and Punishment in high school I swore off Russian Literature and almost missed out on Tolstoy.
Thoroughly enjoyed your review. I really hated this book as a 15 year old kid in Sophomore English. I picked the book back up after the recommendation of an old English teacher/friend. The book meant so much more to me as an adult who has fought in two wars and seen so many different parts of the world. I concur with your review and statement that it should be required reading for all adults over thirty and it should also be required reading for all politicians!
I completely agree with your point. Being 16 and forced to read Grapes of Wrath (over summer, no less) is extremely discouraging me from reading any other classics such as this. But hopefully I'll feel different in 14 years. Who knows, really?
I'm 15 and I loved this book. It might be different if you are required to read it for a class but I read my just for fun and enjoyed it very much.
i agree and disagree with your point about how much you get out of it im almost 18 and to generalise on someones experiences in life is unjust and unfair. you never enjoy a book if forced to read it, i think that's the difference rather than age.
For those teens like me that are saying that they LOVE the book...I don't think this review is saying that if you read this at a young age you won't like the book, but that you won't get as much out of it as you would at a later point in your life :)
Daniel wrote: "every 'american' over 30? excuse me, discrimination?"I see your point but I don't think he meant it in a bad way.
Jose wrote: "Daniel wrote: "every 'american' over 30? excuse me, discrimination?"I see your point but I don't think he meant it in a bad way."
lol yeh i know
Great review, I actually first read this classic when I was about 17 years old. I fell in love with it then and even today at 25 I'm reading it for the second time with the same passion and admiration as my first trip through it. I hope that I still love it as much if not more the next time I pick it up.
I'm having a hard time reading this book. I don't know why...I flew through East of Eden (it is the best book I've read to this day), but I can't sit down and read through this...gonna keep trying.
I HAVE TO SAY THANK YOU OzzieDoLittle. I was just about to start a rant, but there's no need to it's well taken care of. Thanks!
I really enjoyed reading your review Malcolm. I've felt the same way. This book is a real lesson in humanity and taking what we have for granted. It's a real masterpiece!
Daniel wrote: "♣Ðᾰƞƞᾰ♣ wrote: "why over the age of 30?"cos 90% of us 15 year olds will despise it :/"
I'm 16 and I really want to read it. 80% of teens usually don't like Gone with the wind, Charles Dickens, and most of the classics... Yet, some of us truly do enjoy them. You can't judge . It's stereotypical :)
Actually, I first read this book in 5th grade. It was basically my official introduction to classic literature. Ever since, I can never go back to Harry Potter or other YA books.
I agree. I'm fifteen and i have to read this for summer reading. No offense but this book seems awful. How do you get through the first chapter??? And this is coming from a book lover.
