Of Mice and Men

by Mr John Steinbeck

Susan Shillinglaw (Introduction)

Drifters in search of work, George and his childlike friend Lennie, have nothing in the world except the clothes on their back - and a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California's Salinas Valley, but their hopes are dashed as Lennie - struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy - becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and shared vision, and giving a voice to America's lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men remains Steinbeck's most popular work, achieving success as a novel, Broadway play and three acclaimed films.

• ISBN10: 0141023570
• ISBN13: 9780141023571
• Publish Date: 26 January 2006 (first published 7 September 2000)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• Imprint: Penguin Classics
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 128
• 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.