The Pearl

You won’t stop reading until the end. Finish it in one sitting and it stays with you forever. Highly recommend

Great short story.

Lately I have been rereading some of the old classics I had read in high school and college. One of these books I purchased on Amazon for a bargain price was this 90-page paperback edition, (The Pearl by John Steinbeck), which I found to be an amusing and interesting read even though I had read it more than 50 years ago. The short story, like many of the novels by John Steinbeck, deals with people who lead hard working lives. This particular novel takes place in Mexico and in some ways reflects the way many people thought about certain things in the 1940s. This story revolves around a family, who follows the same kind of work their ancestors did, which is diving for pearls in the Gulf. Unlike the early pearl searchers, Kino and Juana barely make enough to support their family; however, one day Kino pulls from the ocean a large pearl. He thinks this will finally make his family wealthy enough to get his family out of the meager living existence they now live in. As always, there are twists and turns and issues that make this an interesting read. I never give away too much information when reviewing any novel, but there is a lesson here we can all learn from in this family tale. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art and Warrior Haiku and Senryu).

The version I got on Kindle had an introduction that comprised 20% of the entire text, which was quite a lot!!! It is basically a complete analytical book review that has 100% spoilers for the entirety of the original book. It provides an analysis of the author's biography and explores the circumstances surrounding writing the novel. It was extremely annoying and it just wouldn't end. I have nothing against Professor Linda Wagner-Martin, and in a sense her analysis was wonderful and well constructed, but alas, misplaced at the beginning of the novel, one that I've never read before and in a great way she spoiled it for me. But fortunately, I did manage to enjoy the novella quite a lot actually. I don't know why I conjured up the same feeling I had reading "The old man and the sea" by Hemingway. It's the same allegorical tale theme set in similar scenery. The political issues that Professor Linda touch upon did not concern me the least. The poetry of the story and the timeless wisdom it carries was enormously interesting and enjoyable to me. This was the perfect appetizer for me to delve into the world of John Steinbeck.

So good but so sad

The pearl represents the corrupting power of money / wealth. I was touched by how much Kino cared about the education of his son (to him, the pearl represents financial resources to put his son through school and help him escape the cycle of poverty) but also appalled by his transformation when he becomes blinded with rage and greed. The pearl appraisers and the behavior of the townspeople and the doctor represent the jealous and coveting part of human nature; people will rarely celebrate others’ successes, as they are much more likely to try to drag them down to their own level. It is always in our best interest to keep our accomplishments to ourselves and celebrate quietly; making these known will only bring more jealousy. This book was kind of disappointing after having read Steinbeck’s magnum opus, East of Eden, but overall it was a short and philosophical novella with interesting ideas.

After reading 'Of Mice and Men' and enjoying it immensely, I decided I'd try another one of John Steinbeck's short stories. After looking over a list of recommendations, I started reading 'The Pearl' in the hopes that it would be as good as 'Of Mice and Men.' The story is a retelling of a Mexican folktale and revolves around a small, poor family whose son becomes gravely ill. After the father character, Kino, finds a massive pearl in the waters near their village, their fortunes change and Kino begins to dream of a better life for the small family he loves. Soon, however, the dream turns nightmarish as wealth brings out the worst in Kino and the people around him. It's a bitter tale and a warning of what a sudden change in status and wealth can do to people. Like modern day lottery winners, it often leaves the person/people worse off than they ever were before. This is a very readable story about social status, wealth, education and greed. I personally was impacted more by 'Of Mice and Men,' but I'm also glad to have read this story. Steinbeck's writing is emotional and I think most people who take the time to read this story will enjoy it.

9th grade reading requirement at a new school. Parable. Sad. Greed, prejudice. I don't like it right now, but it is well-written. I have a problem with the ending, but it is what it is. I'll think about it some more before I really review it.

Great book, arrived in perfect condition

One of my favourite books from Steinbeck, the narrative is gut wrenchingly well written and enjoyable. Finished in a single day!

Se tiene que leer esta pequeña joya.

Fables allow us to tell simple stories that resonate in complex situations. The Pearl tells the tale of a poor pearl diver who finds a pearl of incredible value. He knows that the pearl is useless unless he can sell it. To sell it, he must be able to protect it and sell it at its value price. Otherwise, all is for not. Instantly, there are different individuals and groups who either want the pearl and are willing to go to great lengths to get it, or other groups, who also want it but will instead devalue it. And there is also what goes on in the hearts of Kino, the diver, his wife and those who love them. The pearl is a way out, but also a way in, to broken hearts and to the reality of our harsh world. The pearl is a place and an object of contrasts, of potential pleasure, of certain pain. A wonderful, thought provoking story, that provides much impetus for thought about what we search for, how we think about the happiness that we search, and the workings of our world.

It arrived damaged from the back and it was bended in half