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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Steinbeck’s writing is pure poetry. An example:
“The afternoon came down as imperceptibly as age comes to a happy man. A little gold entered into the sunlight. The bay became bluer and dimpled with shore-wind ripples. Those lonely fishermen who believe that the fish bite at high tide left their rocks and their places were taken by others, who were convinced that the fish bite at low tide.”—Tortilla Flat
This Steinbeck classic follows the intertwining lives of four friends who live together. Their drunken adventures and Steinbeck’s detailed narrative makes the reader feel as if they are the fifth roommate!
John Steinbeck is one of the pillars of American Literature, certainly from my view at any rate. When I was a student, in the long-ago and far-away, no one got through an American-Lit class without reading “Of Mice and Men” or “The Grapes of Wrath.” Under the ungentle hands of high school teachers, I learned to love Steinbeck, not necessarily for what my teachers taught, but rather for what they did not. I mean no offense to the hard-working teachers who labor in the under-paid academic trenches, bless them each and every one.
“Tortilla Flat” is one of the gems in the vast sweep of Steinbeck’s work. This novel is sometimes lost amongst his other Monterey stories. Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, in 1902. The Salinas Valley would come to be the setting for many of his works, including “Of Mice and Men,” “Cannery Row,” “East of Eden,” and “Sweet Thursday.” It is also the setting for “Tortilla Flat.” The novel takes place in a shanty town on a shabby hillside above the fishing town of Monterey. It is a poor neighborhood, inhabited by the paisanos, men whose heritage dates back to the days of Spanish California. This is their story.
The paisanos gather in and around the house of Danny. This ramshackle house serves as the nexus for a group of comrades bent on enjoying what joys life has to offer in the meager times of the Great Depression. Living by their wits and wiles, the paisanos avoid work as much as possible, preferring a good, long bout of wine drinking to a shift in the local canneries.
The comrades share in brawling, in drinking, and in the occasional honest theft. They live together, fall apart, struggle, and come together again. There is joy, sorrow, remorse, all set against the backdrop of an insatiable lust for life. Love comes, love goes; wine comes, wine goes. But through it all there is Danny’s house, the place that draws these errant knaves, the place that bind them to Tortilla Flat.
“Tortilla Flat” is a gem; a short, enthralling read that will cast a spell over the reader. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I suppose the Camelot/Arthur legend isn’t for me.
I liked this story, but something seemed to be lacking. The fault is probably with me.
Steinbeck has a funny side that was more evident pre-literary stardom and it’s on display here. Although the poverty and real-life drama that would define Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden are evident, there is a much more light-hearted approach. Tortilla Flat follows the lives of a group of friends in post-war Monterey, CA. A comic retelling of the Knights of the Round Table in some ways, it’s one of my favorite from this Pulitzer Prize winning author.
I’m surprised this book doesn’t make more “to be read” lists. It’s certainly one of the more unsung classics. The characters are lively, real and a lot of fun. There is inspiration in the lives they lead. They sacrifices they make for the happiness of one another, while sometimes a bit misguided, are always from the heart. A true illustration of how heartfelt friendship can be.
I grew up in an area known as Steinbeck Country. Reading his books went without saying. Steinbeck wrote about real people in real places. It’s easy to get lost in his stories. Every time I read one of his books, it’s a mini trip home.
Makes you think about abject poverty.
4.25 Stars
In this short novel, published in 1935, the author accomplished what he has consistently achieved, awakening emotion through lifelike characters. Written during the depression, it is no wonder Steinbeck’s destitute but optimistic characters appealed to the masses. Their appreciation of basic needs — with the occasional bottle of wine and a lusty woman thrown in — struck a chord with so many experiencing similar hardships.
Though criticized for a demeaning portrayal of Mexican-Americans, Steinbeck’s depiction of camaraderie and an Arthurian parallel defends such negative evaluation. Embodying the simple disposition of Danny, the main character, and his vagabond disciples, Steinbeck’s narrative is both powerful and moving.
Because … Steinbeck!
Classic Steinbeck! Read this years ago, enjoyed it even more this time!
This incredible classic could be a textbook for symbolism and allusion. The Biblical references alone kept this former Sunday School teacher awestruck; the parallels, the contrasts, the humanity–everything a college-level literature professor salivates for. It’s only drawback is its length. So many discussion points! and so inspiring!
Don’t know why it took me so long to find this great author
Slow moving in the beginning. I couldn’t get into it and never finished it.
Made me think. Loved the characters and a different way of life.
Great character development
I read all these stories as a kid and decided to revisit Steinbeck again from an adult perspective. I was not disappointed and urge anyone who has not re-read again as an adult to do so. John Steinbeck feels like family in his very down to earth and familiar way of telling a story!!
Favorite author
This was a good little book. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could.
Interesting read about some very tragic characters in Monterey,