Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tortilla Flat
Book Review: A Little Pointless At Times, But Also Very Touching
Summary: 3 Stars
I would have rated this book a little higher, but John Steinbeck's reputation precedes him, so you have to hold this novel and this author to a higher standard. Though it's a pretty good book, it certainly isn't Steinbeck's best work.There really isn't a tremendous amount of plot in this novel. It's about a man who enherits some money and real estate from his dead grandfather, and how he and his friends all happily live together in a state of poverty of which they are not aware. They drink, they play around, and they generally have a good time living with the minimal material possessions bred from their minimal ambitions. Their nieve lifestyle is pathetic, yet charming.
The novel really isn't a story as much as it is a commentary. What exactly is the author's opinion about the "blissfulness" of poverty? That's debatable. I tried to find a deeper meaning in the miniscule amount of plot that the book contains, and I'm having a hard time doing it.
So, I have to conclude that while the book is funny and even touching at times, it's largely pointless. This book really isn't the best way for a reader to be introduced to Steinbeck's work. I recommend that the reader consider reading "Of Mice And Men" or "Grapes Of Wrath" before reading this novel. Having a little background on the author's style is the only way to enjoy this book.
Book Review: A Merry Tale!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Tortilla Flat" is an entertaining tale of Danny and his paisano friends as they live the lives of a merry band of unemployed alcoholics.Danny is the core which draws the gradually expanding group to himself and holds it together. Pilon, Jesus Marie, Big Joe Portagee, Pablo and the Pirate all introduce their own personalities into this story. For a group which never works, drinks wine whenever it is available and survives by stealing, they are an amazingly likable lot. Thieves though the are, they each have a good hearted and generous core. This book is an easy read, entertaining and funny. Read and Enjoy!
Book Review: A Moving Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
I was very moved by the messages about property and ownership and responsibility. These great friends made a great life in what, by today's standards, is considered extreme poverty.I cried when I put it down. Your life is what you make of it.
I highly recommend this to everyone.
Book Review: A Spicy Tortilla
Summary: 4 Stars
This is not Steinbeck's best work, for that you need to read "The Grapes of Wrath" or "East of Eden," but it is still an important and enjoyable book none the less. The setting is Monterey, California shortly after World War I and the characters are paisanos who have little ambition other than finding adventure, drinking and being part of an adult fraternity. They resist real work and spend much of their time in search of easy money and food to steal, but despite their failings the characters remain interesting and sympathetic. Steinbeck, as always, writes about the downtrodden with masterful prose (though I'm sure there are many who find his descriptions in this book racist) and the story is fun and entertaining. High schoolers and adults alike will enjoy this book and I would recommend it to anyone, though only after they've read Steinbeck's greatest work.Book Review: A Steinbeck Essential
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fable set in John Steinbeck's beloved Northern California. What it's all about are friendships and the dynamics of interpersonal dealings between immortal characters. Immortal in that every generation has their Pilons and Dannys, and of having things that you can hold in your own hand versus things that cannot ultimately be bought or sold. The appeal is due in part to the similarities in our own lives and in the lives of others. In every Steinbeck novel is a little gift of insight. This has many.