Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
California, U.S.A., 1937 – The Great Depression. George and Lenny, two bindlestiffs (1930s Word for ‘Tramps’) have left Soledad and travelled South in search of labour. The only employment they can get is to work on ranches, constantly moving whenever their work is done. The duo live together, and travel together, in a setting where nearly leads isolated lives.
George is smart, and knows how to stay out of trouble, even though it is very easy to come across – Lennie however, is simple. He has a very limited mental capacity, and, although he has a good intent, he often ends up getting himself into very dangerous situations. Lennie is physically overwhelming, he his broad, strong and does what he’s told, this makes his a very effective worker. George struggles through everyday, trying to look after Lennie and find work but Lennie lives in the moment. A small animal or a soft material entertains him, and he is oblivious to the harsh reality he and George live in.
George and Lennie find work on a ranch, and immediately are confronted by Curley, the son of the ranch owner. Curley is a small man, but makes up for it with a uncontrolable temper and a harsh, personal disposition towards bigger men. With Lennie’s lack of intelligence, Curley’s ruthless personality, and a society in which survival is tricky and life is unfair, many problems can arise…
TEEN RATING: A good book, Of Mice and Men is worth a read if you like classics. Intriguing, and somewhat depressing, Of Mice and Men is either a hit or a miss with the reader. 2.5/5 13+
