The Pearl in Never too Late to Read Classics

May 29, 2012 midnightfaerie rated it really liked it

Shelves: classics

The Pearl by John Steinbeck was both alluring and disturbing at the same time. The writing was eloquent, although not that extraordinary. I agree with most critics on this piece, that it is mediocre compared to his other works, of which there are so many. Having only read a few so far, I still consider myself a Steinbeck novice, but hopefully that will change soon with the number of titles I have recently acquired by him. The Pearl had me at the edge of my seat, I could not put it down. But now The Pearl by John Steinbeck was both alluring and disturbing at the same time. The writing was eloquent, although not that extraordinary. I agree with most critics on this piece, that it is mediocre compared to his other works, of which there are so many. Having only read a few so far, I still consider myself a Steinbeck novice, but hopefully that will change soon with the number of titles I have recently acquired by him. The Pearl had me at the edge of my seat, I could not put it down. But now having finished it, had I known what it was about before I read it and how it ended, I probably would not have read it. But then, I would have missed out. Aside from the plot, I rather enjoyed it. The Pearl is about Kino and his wife Juana, and their baby boy. Kino is a pearl diver and very poor. One day he finds the ultimate pearl, huge and beautiful and perfect, something that is sure to bring in a great deal of money, and it changes his life. He immediately imagines a wedding for him and Juana, something they couldn't afford before, and an education for his son. But nothing goes quite as expected in this tale and Steinbeck does a decent job of showing the dark side of human nature as well.

Based on a Mexican folk tale, these types of stories always seem to have a history of teaching something, but in this tale, I'm just not sure what the teller is trying to show. Not being familiar with this particular folk tale, I don't know how well Steinbeck brought forth the true essence of the tale and what it was trying to tell. On the other hand, maybe it's just as simple as be careful what you wish for, and Steinbeck choose to focus instead on the duality of human nature and the possibilities that love might bring along with hope, and how it might affect a family who is rooted in tradition. If that's the case, he does quite well. I think due to the age of the book, what an influence the author has had overall on literature, and the underlying themes this book portrays, it could be considered a classic. I'm a little on the fence with this one, but in the end, I have decided to place it in the classics heavily depending on the worth of the author. As I read more Steinbeck, I might end up creating a page for him, deciding he is an overall classical author, much like Austen, Shakespeare, and Dickens, and therefore his work, good and bad can also be considered thus. But I need to get more of his novels under my belt before I make that decision. In the meantime, the book was riveting and definitely has worth in the category of classics. Recommended.

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Sep 06, 2016 Jen from Quebec :0) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-life-changers, school, reading-challenge-books, childhood-reads, aty-challenge, classics-i-ve-read

Had to read this in 7th grade English class, and loved it even though I am SURE that the main significance/nuances probably went over my head at that age. Having re-read it whilst older, I loved it even more. A short book with a powerful message against ownership/capitalism/private property. In fact, I wish it were longer! SO much packed into such a short novella. WORTH READING, everyone!

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Sep 06, 2016 Jen from Quebec :0) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites-life-changers, school, classics-i-ve-read, aty-challenge, reading-challenge-books, childhood-reads, books-i-ve-been-putting-off, color-challenge-for-book-covers, copies-i-own, dystopian

Had to read this in 7th grade English class, and loved it even though I am SURE that the main significance/nuances probably went over my head at that age. Having re-read it whilst older, I loved it even more. A short book with a powerful message against ownership/capitalism/private property.

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 05, 2013 Zuzana rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, 2013-challenge

It's a retelling of a Mexican folk tale. A poor fisherman finds a priceless pearl but is besieged by tragedy and the greed of those around him.

“For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.”

The story illustrates a strong moral lesson. In that respect it remin ...more

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