Tortilla Flat
Ratings35
Average rating3.8
Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, Steinbeck created a "Camelot" on a shabby hillside above Monterey on the California coast and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. As Steinbeck chronicles their thoughts and emotions, temptations and lusts, he spins a tale as compelling, and ultimately as touched by sorrow, as the famous legends of the Round Table. This is the first of a trilogy, along with 'Cannery Row' and 'Sweet Thursday.'
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I really enjoyed this book because of its parallels to King Arthur and his court, and the idea of group friendships needing a lynchpin, so to speak; the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I found the stories to be comical, sorrowful, sensual, silly, and at times quite serious.
Struggled through the first half of this a few months ago as it just did not grab or move me in any way. I don't mind simple writing or tales with meaning or a moral, but here there was just nothing to enjoy. The characters were boring, nothing really happened, and I just didn't care one way or another. It wasn't even particularly funny. Uncovering the book at the bottom of a pile today I realise I just don't have the heart to go back.
Was hoping that this would be a good, short introduction to Steinbeck's more substantial works, and Grapes of Wrath is on my ‘to read' list, but now I'm reconsidering!
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