The Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of the Great Depression, a book that galvanized—and sometimes outraged—millions of readers.First published in 1939, Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of one Oklahoma farm family, the Joads—driven from their homestead and forced to travel west to the promised land of … promised land of California. Out of their trials and their repeated collisions against the hard realities of an America divided into Haves and Have-Nots evolves a drama that is intensely human yet majestic in its scale and moral vision, elemental yet plainspoken, tragic but ultimately stirring in its human dignity. A portrait of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless, of one man’s fierce reaction to injustice, and of one woman’s stoical strength, the novel captures the horrors of the Great Depression and probes into the very nature of equality and justice in America. At once a naturalistic epic, captivity narrative, road novel, and transcendental gospel, Steinbeck’s powerful landmark novel is perhaps the most American of American Classics.
This Centennial edition, specially designed to commemorate one hundred years of Steinbeck, features french flaps and deckle-edged pages.
For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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Great book to read to learn about the Great Depression that our parents and grandparents lived through. A reminder of how ugly life can get.
I was surprised when I read this to finally discover, much to my disappointment, that it really isn’t one of the great American novels. One of the almost-greats, yes, but no more than that. Of course Steinbeck always has a great way with characters, but the jalopy is much too much of one.
A classic. Brilliant writing.
I never had to read this book for a high school requirement, but as an adult, I thought it would be a great idea to read it. I was not disappointed in it, and it invokes a lot of feelings.
Historically this book is very important and a “must read”
Tragically the problems of itenerary workers still exist.
I have been re-reading Steinbeck’s books which are now history novels of my childhood.
This book is a classic for a reason. It stands the test of time and remains relevant.
I have read nearly every Steinbeck book and many of them were required reading in high school. His books are timeless treasures and it’s clear why he’s a literary master.
Grapes of wrath is no exception and I think it’s one of his best, a sprawling, tragic tale of the haves and have-nots, it’s just as relative today as it was nearly a century ago. While at times, it’s a very unpleasant read, it’s certainly compelling .
This epic aptly conveys the depths of human callousness and the surprising generosity, compassion and perseverance of the human spirit. It is a book that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest literary achievements.
This was the first time I have ever read a Steinbeck book, and let’s just say I was impressed. Not that I figured he would be a bad author, but I just didn’t know what to expect. This book told a great story and reflected on the hardships of the time. Now, I really love history, so this book was right up my alley. Although it was really good, I just found it hard to read at times because it felt like the story was dragging on for a long time. It took me a while to finish, but I wasn’t disappointed at all. It was a very intriguing book, unlike others that I have read before. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good historical fiction novel and to someone who has a lot of time.
A really good read. A classic! Definitely in my top 10 books published in the past 100 years.
Truly the great American novel! Steinbeck at his best.
I would give this 10 stars if available. I read this about 20 years ago and it was the first book that made me feel so emotionally attached to the characters that I cried (won’t tell you at what point of the story!) It’s still in my mind as if I read it last week. Love Steinbeck. People say East of Eden was his masterpiece, but I loved this book compared to East of Eden.
Who am I to give Steinbeck less than 5 stars? His writing is incredible. Having said that, this is a slow-moving book for a modern reader. I found myself wondering if a publisher today would have left the chapters remain that were purely informational and move away from the narrative. The novel describes a farming family devastated by the dust bowl and the depression. The characters are haunting, and their plight is painful. Of course, it’s an American classic that sheds light on a particular period in our history.
One of the greatest ever.
This is one of those books that you will never, ever forget.
This book is a study of American life post dust bowl and economic crash. It shows, instead of tells one family’s story in concise austerity. The verbal exchanges are so genuine, one can’t help but read the dialog with an inner, “Okie” accent.
An American classic!! No one should have never read this at least once.
A wonderful classic that everyone should read at least once.
A classic.