Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck

Tortilla Flat (Folio, A36897)

by John Steinbeck

"Steinbeck is an artists; and he tells the stories of these lovable thieves and adulterers with a gentle and poetic purity of heart and of prose." —New York Herald Tribune

A Penguin Classic

Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, John Steinbeck created a “Camelot” on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur’s castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging—men who fiercely resist the...Read more

Reviewed by jamiereadthis on

4 of 5 stars

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This earned its spot right next to Cannery Row on my shelf, on a map, and in my heart. The lives of Danny and the boys are as worthy as Mack and the boys, and as criminal, and as happy. I loved it.

It is astounding to find that the belly of every black and evil thing is as white as snow. And it is saddening to discover how the concealed parts of angels are leprous. Honor and peace to Pilon, for he had discovered how to uncover and to disclose to the world the good that lay in every evil thing. Nor was he blind, as so many saints are, to the evil of good things. It must be admitted with sadness that Pilon had neither the stupidity, nor the self-righteousness nor the greediness for reward ever to become a saint.

As Jesus Maria said: “‘You see,’ Jesus Maria said, ‘it is funny. But it squeezes in you, too.’”

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 May, 2013: Finished reading
  • 29 May, 2013: Reviewed