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 … corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude.
As Nobel Prize winner Steinbeck chronicles their deeds—their multiple lovers, their wonderful brawls, their Rabelaisian wine-drinking—he spins a tale as compelling and ultimately as touched by sorrow as the famous legends of the Round Table, which inspired him.
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A fun read
Not one of Steinbeck’s best.
I’ve loved all of Steinbeck’s books and have read and reread them, some numerous times!
Good reading full of friendship and love for human race
great
Pure Steinbeck! Classic . Had a smile on my face thru much of the read.
Interesting read about poor hangers-on in post-WW-1 Monterey. Difficult to understand motivations of characters, but their interactions were entertaining.
It’s Steinbeck at his quirky best. If you liked “Cannery Row” you’ll like “Tortilla Flat.” Warning: it’s set in the 1930’s, and was written around then, so it’s no way PC. Tough shit.
This is one of my favorite books. I have read it numerous times and decided I needed a copy for my Kindle also. FUN, FUN book. I love Steinbeck
Every book I read my Steinbeck makes me humble. What an incredible author. This story may not be politically correct in these days and times, but it’s still a great read, with great characters and a nearly perfect, if sad, ending.
Steinbeck always delivers the goods. This one is great writing about these unfortunate men who have thrown their lot in together.
Great writing makes this an interesting and enjoyable read
Down to Earth and Spiritual, at the same time. I love his characters.
A time that is gone, perfect characters a story that gathers momentum as the characters develop