On this, another day of rest and recuperation while recovering from a heavy cold, I finished reading
which, according to Studs Terkel in his excellent introduction, “Dorothy Parker, at the time of its publication in 1939, called ‘the greatest American novel I have ever read’ “. Like Terkel, who has surely read many more, I would concur.
The Folio Society produced this fine edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original publication. Without giving away too much of the story I can say that this is the tale of myriads of farming families driven from their rented lands by the Dust Bowl drought and the owners of their farms which could no longer provide their living. Terkel cites the 1988 drought as a repetition of the earlier natural disaster. And here we are again facing the consequences of worldwide similar events.
Firstly, this is a gripping tale focussed on the flight of one family and those they encounter along the way to the promised land of California. The prose is of the quality that was to win the author the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962. The narrative flows along with intermittent lyrical notes. Speech is given in the vernacular which is natural and uncomplicated.
Steinbeck uses straightforward language to describe landscape, events, atmosphere, and character to a degree that takes us right there with him. We see, hear, touch, and taste, with all the protagonists; and empathise with their feelings.
We are reminded how shared adversity can both bring people together and divide them; we see generosity in that adversity and we see how fear of difference can turn to hate and violence.
The division and mistrust between the haves and have-nots reflects today’s chasms. If you have not yet read this novel I would urge you to do so. There are many lessons therein for all of us.
Terkel was an inspired choice of introducer because his prose is commensurate with that of Steinbeck. He places the work in history and in the writer’s oeuvre.
Bonnie Christensen’s muscular illustrations are, as can be seen by the pages in which they are set (except for the full page one), faithful to the text:
The diagonals crossing the front cover continue across the spine to the back board. The design is based on the artist’s frontispiece above.
My header picture is Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother, from a California migrant workers’ camp in 1936.
This evening I dined on more of the chilli con carne while the others, except for Ellie, enjoyed beef burgers and chips. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Gran Selone.
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of The Grapes of Wrath. I should probably read it again. Are you familiar with Woodie Guthrie’s music? He wrote and recorded an album of Dust Bowl songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUgzXJACXzs
Thanks very much for this, Liz. Another useful addition. I did know Woodie Guthrie, but not this one.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Steinbeck is a native of Salinas, CA near the Monterey peninsula. The Queen-Anne style Victorian house he grew up in is now a combo museum/restaurant/gift store run by the Valley Guild. I have had lunch there a few times. It is ironic that because of the 20 year drought, many people are now leaving California for places with better water supply and lower taxes. The dust bowler descendants are among those emigrating from CA.
A fascinating addition to my post, Pat. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick. Glad you liked it.
Amazing drawings.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
A great novel, indeed! And wonderful illustrations!
I think I already told you this…but when my hubby and I were in graduate school in SF, California we met some senior adults who’s families had traveled there from Oklahoma during the 1930’s. They said, “You know The Grapes of Wrath? That was our family.” It was so interesting listening to their stories!
(((HUGS))) ❤️
I’ll bet it was, Carolyn. Thank you very much X
A lovely review of Grape’s Of Wrath, I too thinking It is one of the best modern novels by Steinbeck. I watched the movie for the umpteenth time just recently.
Thanks very much, Holly
Thank you Derrick!
It’s a fabulous book
Thank you very much, Sheree
This has been on my list for a long time. Your post makes me think it should go somewhere near the top. How wonderful to have an introduction by Studs Terkel!
Thanks very much, Laurie
It is an icon of The Great Depression.
Thank you very much, Cindy. Iconic is a word I pondered using.
Your header photo is also a classic of the times, Derrick. Steinbeck was talented beyond description. Thank you for this enlightening and delightful take on this story, and perhaps it will encourage others to read this novel.
Thank you very much, Maj
Some excellent illustrations. How have they been made, do you think? Are they linocuts or etchings?
I was thinking woodcuts, John, but, unusually, the book doesn’t tell us. Thanks very much
I recently finished The Worst Hard Time. It would be a great followup to The Grapes of Wrath.
The Worst Hard Time is an excellent nonfiction book that traces the cause and outcome of the farming methods (among other things) of that era. I have read it twice; the images shown in the book have stayed with me for years. It can be read online on this site https://books.feedvu.com/the-worst-hard-time-the-untold-story-of-those-who-survived-the-great-american-dust-bowl-pdf.html
Thanks very much, Yvonne. That is a good recommendation
Thanks for the tip. I’ll be passing it on, for sure.
Yes. Thanks very much, Linda. A compelling review
Another fine review. I should re-read the book, though I won’t have a volume with these beautiful illustrations. They fit the period, and they remind me of WPA art of the 1930s.
Thank you very much, Merril
The Folio Society produces great work.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Thanks for making me think of this novel again (not to mention Studs Terkel, who was a delight in print and on the radio). What beautiful illustrations your Folio Society books have. That cover photo is Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother taken for the Farm Security Administration in 1935. The woman in the photo told Lange she was 32…
Thank you so much, Lisa
The Grapes of Wrath is undoubtedly one of the greatest masterpieces of American literature, but in my humble opinion, the distinction of being the greatest American novel of the 20th century belongs to Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury, published before The Grapes of Wrath. Faulkner also received his Nobel prize before Steinbeck. The dust bowl was certainly a momentous disaster, yet the racial issue has impacted American history in a way that nothing else has.
Illustrations are very impressive, though.
Thanks very much, Dolly. That is a good recommendation for Faulkner. I was certainly very aware of the racial issue which doesn’t appear in my book.
My pleasure, Derrick.
It has been years since I last read this book.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Wonderful review of a book that should be read by everyone. It’s definitely a favorite of mine. Your copy is fantastic!
Thank you so much, Jill
I read this at college, it’s one of those books that stays with you.
Indeed, Gary. Thanks very much
I must confess I only saw the tv version of what must be a great novel, with all the drama, conflict and every possible human emotions. I hope to find it when our library opens again (that will be in July 2023, if everything goes according to plan), or at the next book fair. Meanwhile, I am reading my way through Hemingway, his best novel, I am told, but so intense, I can only take a few pages at a time.
Thank you very much, Sylvie. I hope your library reopens soon
You’ve made good use of your time. I however confess that I never read The Grapes of Wrath. Reading above about the turtle was intense as I suspect is true of most of the novel. The illustrations show intensity and detail also. Thanks for the samples!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
A book I definitely intend to read again. And Of Mice and Men…
I may go back to Of Mice and Men, too, Gwen. Thank you very much
Reading some of the excerpts below the illustrations you have shown us remind me of the acute and sensitive observations Steinbeck makes in this novel – down to the finest details. I have taught “Of Mice and Men” umpteen times and never failed to cry when reaching the last page.
Thank you so much for this sensitive comment, Anne
I remember reading this book in 10th Grade, and Steinbeck’s writing made quite an impression on me. We also read Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” and “The Red Pony”.
I liked Of Mice and Men, but don’t know The Red Pony. Thanks very much, Lavinia
Here is the link.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Pony
Thanks again, Lavinia
I forgot to ask how are you feeling today? I hope the cold is on its way out, and you are doing better tonight.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. On the mend. Taking it slowly – I must be growing up
Not having read the book, I may just heed your recommendation.
Thanks very much, Sue
Get well soon, Derrick. Excellent report and, yes, wonderful illustrations. Take care.
Thanks very much, Steve
I agree with everything you’ve said.
Much appreciated, GP
A great read.
Do hope you’re feeling better.
x
Thank you very much, Melanie. Slowly but surely X
Good to hear.
Stay warm!
x
I think I’ve already mention how important that book and others of Steinbeck were in my teaching. Unfortunately I never saw the woodcut illustrations. I wish I had.
Thanks a lot, John
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migrant_Mother
There is more to the story of the woman in this iconic photo of the Great Depression/ Dust Bowl times.
An important addition, Doug. Thanks very much
Steinbeck is one of my favourite english-language authors. Though I haven’t read that book yet. I have it on my shleves. I might do a Steinbeck bout as I am doing now for some authors…
All well I hope? (Cold gone?)
Good. I think you will enjoy it. Cold lingering, but much better. Thanks very much
My only doubt is that it’s in French. So I might buy the original English version.
I wonder how French would deal with the vernacular
It’s one of the problems with some translators and some texts. They turn the original English into French slang. And it just doesn’t work…
I can imagine
It was published the year I was born. I read it years ago as a required reading in a literature class.. You review has encouraged me to read it now – at this stage in my life and this time in our country, it will have a lot more meaning than it did when I was in college.
It certainly would, Jan – it says so much about our current times
An interesting novel with great illustrations!
Thanks very much, Ribana
A great story about a very sad time in American history!
Hi Derrick, this was interesting reading. I have this book on my TBR.
I have been wanting to read this for so many years and somehow never get to it. Your folio editions are always so special, Derrick. Wonderful illustrations.
Thank you very much, Sandra
I am a great fan of Steinbeck and would agree. But I don’t like the colour cover; it looks like a Japanese print. (I do like it actually but it doesn’t suit the novel.
You are right on both counts about the cover, John. hank you very much
I think I have all of Steinbeck’s work in my library. Love his books, his diction and the emotions that are displayed in each work. Love love love Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden.
Thank you very much, Zakiah
I absolutely LOVE this book and wholeheartedly agree with your assessment above.
Thanks very much, Donna
I’ve made a note to read the hard copy so I can enjoy the illustrations. Great post!
Thanks very much, Lenore