Of Mice and Men

by Mr John Steinbeck

A parable of commitment, loneliness, hope and loss, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a powerful and moving portrayal of two men striving to understand their own unique place in the world.

Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing in the world except each other - and a dream. A dream that one day they will have some land of their own.

Eventually they find work on a ranch, but their hopes are doomed as Lennie - struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy - becomes a victim of his own strength.

Tackling universal themes, friendship and a shared vision, and giving a voice to America's lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men remains Steinbeck's most popular work.

'A thriller, a gripping tale that you will not set down until it is finished. Steinbeck has touched the quick' The New York Times

Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck is remembered as one of the greatest and best-loved American writers of the twentieth century. His works include The Grapes of Wrath, The Forgotten Village, Cannery Row and The Pearl. His complete works are published by Penguin.

• ISBN10: 0140292918
• ISBN13: 9780140292916
• Publish Date: 26 April 2001 (first published 7 September 2000)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 18 January 2012
• 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.