[Book] Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - #23 in Fiction 📚
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - Book Review
✨ Best Fiction Books ✨
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a novella that punches far beyond its short length. Written in 1937, it’s been on my “must read” list for years, but I was unprepared for how deeply it would affect me. Steinbeck’s style is stripped down to its essence—simple, direct, and raw—perfectly complementing the Depression-era setting of Soledad, California.
The story takes place over just four days and follows two characters, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they move from ranch to ranch in search of work. They are drifters by necessity, not choice, and dream of owning their own land one day. However, Lennie, who is mentally challenged, complicates their lives. Despite his physical strength and George’s efforts to guide him, Lennie unintentionally causes problems due to his inability to control his immense power.
Steinbeck’s themes resonate strongly with the harsh realities of the time, from discrimination and the marginalization of women to the insecurity of farm work and the lack of upward mobility. The novella also addresses deeper questions about human rights, making it universally relevant. Each of the characters, even those with small roles, is richly developed, and their struggles with loneliness, unfulfilled dreams, and the cruelty of their environment are heartbreaking.
Reading Of Mice and Men was a visceral experience for me. I started late one evening and couldn’t stop until I’d turned the last page. It’s a powerful, dramatic, and raw exploration of humanity, and though the story hints at impending tragedy from the start, nothing could have prepared me for the devastating conclusion. Steinbeck captures the harshness of life in a way that stays with you long after you finish reading.
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This book isn’t just a story—it’s an immersive world of adventure, emotion, and unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after the last page.
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