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Of Mice and Men

(Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century)

By John Steinbeck

(518)

| Paperback | 9780140177398

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Book Description

MAXnotes offer a fresh look at masterpieces of literature, presented in a lively and interesting fashion. Written by literary experts who currently teach the subject, MAXnotes will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the work. MAXnotes are designed to stimulate independ ent thought about tContinue

22 Reviews

6 people find this helpful

Masterpiece

Always loved the gift of Steinbeck to recreate the raw power of wild natural forces, and also the savage nature and instincts that inhabit the body of mens like the retarded Lennie of this novel, uncontrollable atavic powers that can unleash at any time at god's will. A must read.

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pujilittatuc said on Jan 4, 2008 | Add your feedback

3 people find this helpful

*** This comment contains spoilers! ***

An Outstanding Friendship

When I read this book for the first time I thought it was pretty good: it has a great plot and unique characters, but it lacked in something which I didn't actually know what it was, but it was missing.
A few days ago I had to read this novel to prepare myself for an exam (CAE). I then found what wa ... (continue)

When I read this book for the first time I thought it was pretty good: it has a great plot and unique characters, but it lacked in something which I didn't actually know what it was, but it was missing.
A few days ago I had to read this novel to prepare myself for an exam (CAE). I then found what was missing. Whereas my first reading was in Italian, this last one was in English. Even though the italian translation is correct it CAN'T recreate the same atmosphere, the same characterization of roles and places and the same dialogues.
I have to say this is a great book: it is really meaningful and it makes you think about loneliness and different kinds of discrimination. The author succeeded nevertheless in filling his short novel (about a hundred pages) with all these themes and issues.
It isn't just the story of two young american wanderers looking for job, it is the tale of a DREAM. Lennie and George long for a safe place, where no one can disturb, insult or put them (especially Lennie) in danger. I consequently think that the ending of the novel is much more happy than you would think: the original dream of Lennie and George can't be achieved, but A dream, different from the former, can be reached!
I strongly recommend "Of Mice And Men" to everyone as you can enjoy it even if you have not much spare time.
PS: I'm sorry for the mistakes, if there are some (I think so), but English is not my native language. I hope you find this review useful!

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Scipio said on Jun 21, 2011 about the Mass Market Paperback edition | Add your feedback

2 people find this helpful

It's really good although the story unfolds exactly as predicted. My heart weeped as I read on for I was expecting such an ending. I still find it very moving. And with so few pages, this is no doubt a masterpiece.

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Magdalene said on Jul 20, 2007 | Add your feedback

A gemstone.

This novel, although very short, is like a little, precious, gemstone.

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Elisa Rain said on Feb 4, 2012 | Add your feedback

God damn it! It was quite hard for a non-english speaking reader.
But… what a masterpiece!!

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Jadransko said on Jan 6, 2012 | Add your feedback

1 person find this helpful

A tale of woe

I'll lean on you and you lean on me and we'll be okay.

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Turpentine said on May 13, 2011 about the Mass Market Paperback edition | Add your feedback