The Grapes of Wrath

[note, listened to this as an audiobook, excellently narrated by John Chancer]

This is great writing and the themes in it are as relevant today as they were back then. Chapter 5 alone is worth it. For a book to retain such powerful themes that resonate well after their time is a sign of something special.

The structure of the book is interesting and works once you are used to it. I like the solid tempo of the writing. I love the characters, good people - not perfect - and the author brings out their humanity. How could you not feel for Tom and the various travellers they meet along the way? And how is the dynamic between Ma and Pa, where they openly talk about giving each other a “whuppin'”. And the language, the “fambly” (family) and “overhauls” (overalls) etc.

This is a dimension to the human cost of an aggressive capitalist system that I had not encountered before. It was startlingly powerful and moving.

The ending seemed a little weird at the time, but on reflection reminded me of the more recent, The Road, where you are delicately sandwiched in between hope and despair. I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could, but on deciding whether to round up or down, I went up to 5.