Of Mice and Men is Steinbeck’s first play-novelette, an experimental form he developed. . . The story is about a pair of migrant workers in California, George Milton and Lennie Small. The two friends depend on one another in a world where most working men are lonely, moving from job to job. Steinbeck called his book a little study in humility—it went on to become one of his most beloved books. (source)
It is my category 11 ~A classic that scares you~ book.
This book was actually a re-read for me; my first time was nearly 40 years ago when I was a teen. Nobody forewarned me then that it was a tragedy, and I was utterly shocked and horrified as the final chapters unfolded. I remember hurling the book across my bedroom, proclaiming John Steinbeck to be the most! depressing! writer! EVER!
Since that time, I would not even entertain the notion of reading anything authored by Mr. Steinbeck . . . until now. My fifteen-year-old daughter lobbied to include Of Mice and Men as part of our literature studies this year, and I consented, informing her and her friend that it did not have a happy ending.
As for myself, I decided that I would give the book another chance. I already knew the story, so perhaps it would not be such a wrenching experience this time. I am, after all, older and more worldly-wise now.
Steinbeck referred to Of Mice and Men as, "such a simple little thing." It is little, and it is a story simply told; but, oh, there is so much packed into this simple little thing: friendship and loneliness, hope and desperation, innocence and cruelty. Yes, it is sad, hear-rendingly so, but, yes, John Steinbeck is a remarkable writer. He drew me into this story. He made me think; he made me care. And that, makes me me want to read more of his writing.
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