Of Mice and Men

by Mr John Steinbeck

'Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place.'

George and his large, simple-minded friend Lennie are drifters, following wherever work leads them. Arriving in California's Salinas Valley, they get work on a ranch. If they can just stay out of trouble, George promises Lennie, then one day they might be able to get some land of their own and settle down some place. But kind-hearted, childlike Lennie is a victim of his own strength. Seen by others as a threat, he finds it impossible to control his emotions. And one day not even George will be able to save him from trouble.

Of Mice and Men is a tragic and moving story of friendship, loneliness and the dispossessed, with a stunning new cover by renowned artist Bijou Karman.

• ISBN10: 024198033X
• ISBN13: 9780241980330
• Publish Date: 6 July 2017 (first published 7 September 2000)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 112
• Language: English

Reviews

[Joséphine]

Initial thoughts: Before seeing this book on sale on Book Depository, I didn't even know it was a classic. Needless to say then, I knew zilch going into Of Mice and Men. As far as highs and lows of plots go, I predicted that ending. Didn't lessen the trepidation, however. While I didn't connect with any character, I felt for their plights. George and Lennie represent so much of society and attitudes towards mental illness even today. Despite better mental health care, stigma continues to exist, making it difficult to seek help. That aside, the misogyny tripped me up. I know it's reflective of the period during which Of Mice and Men was written but it still bothered me anyway.

[mary]

Extraordinary. I actually cried. Few books actually move me to emotional breakdown. This is probably the only book where this was accomplished. I kept on thinking about this story long after I finished it.