In Dubious Battle (Penguin Classics)
by John Steinbeck
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Book Summary Information
Author: John SteinbeckEditor: Warren French
Introduction: Warren French
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-05-30
ISBN: 0143039636
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Book Reviews of In Dubious Battle (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: "Anybody That Wants a Living Wage is a Radical"
Summary: 5 Stars
John Steinbeck's 1936 novel, In Dubious Battle, follows a labor strike by apple pickers who are attempting to combat a reduction in wages. The novel mainly focuses on the efforts of Jim Nolan, a new member of the Communist Party, who is mentored by Mac McLeod, a long time Party member and experienced labor organizer. Together, these two men try to motivate (and manipulate) the disgruntled workers into standing up for themselves against the land owners who have cut back their salaries.
Nolan is emblematic of the disenfranchised worker. He comes from poverty and has watched his father fight against the system only to be beaten down by it. His mother took solace in religion, but it also provided no answers, merely a short, hard miserable life. Jim eschews vices like drinking and smoking, as well as the company of women, mainly because he doesn't want to get "nibbled to death" by responsibilities that stem from having a family to care for. He only feels alive when he's fighting the system.
Mac is more cynical than Nolan, willing to use anything and anyone to achieve his goals. He coaches the younger man on the best ways to organize the striking workers, but also draws strength from the fiery Nolan.
As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that there are two sides surrounding the striking men. On one side are the interests of the land owners and on the other, the interests of the radicals. The outcome of the strike itself (and the men involved) becomes less important than the statement it sends to the other side. The landowners wish to crush the strike to make it clear that their authority is absolute and to prevent future challenges to that authority. The radical organizers don't care whether the strike succeeds or not, so long as it inspires more men to join their cause. Lost in the middle are the men who merely want to work for a decent living and need the strike to make their point.
Steinbeck doesn't take either side, but his compelling characters and descriptive prose illustrate the conflict, painting a portrait informed by reality. I enjoyed this novel almost as much as The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Classics), East of Eden, and Cannery Row: (Centennial Edition). If you're a fan of Steinbeck's writing and haven't read this one yet, make sure you pick it up.
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