Lennie and George are two workers travelling together around Califronia where they hope to find a job in a ranch. Lennie relies on George’s guidance and protection because he suffers from a mild mental disability and his childlike manners got them in trouble many times. As they start working at a new ranch, their imagination helps them get through the exhausting work by envisioning the farm that they hope to own one day. Until everything falls apart again…
I think that this book is great because Steinbeck brings many reflections on mental illness and racism through the journey of these memorable characters. The friendship between Lennie and George is so touching and their shared dream is something I looked forward to as I was reading. The ending made me feel so sad though.. (no spoilers don’t worry). Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I really did feel like I was travelling around California!
Have you read anything by Steinbeck?