The Wayward Bus
Thu, 2005-12-29 22:14
#1
The Wayward Bus
I'm a great fan of John Steinbeck and am currently reading The Wayward Bus. Amazingly the first 77 pages take place over breakfast! Steinbeck has a deep understanding of people and a broad knowledge of the world. For a lesson in how to introduce characters and explore their feelings and emotions, this is a must read.
ralph
Yep, he is one of the greats. My fave of his is 'In Dubious Battle'. It pre-dates 'The Grapes Of Wrath' but the themes are close.
'Of Mice of Men', a small novel that is still really one of the great textbooks on how to write.
I have been to Monterry, where Tortilla Flat is set and where he used to live, and found both evocative and emotional.
Nice one
Foster
Steinbeck published Of Mice and Men in 1937 and I love this story. But...Turgenev (my favorite author?) wrote a story in 1852 - Mumu - that so much reminds me of Steinbeck's story that I have to wonder if there was an influence. Some have agreed, some have not.
In Steinbeck's favor: I'm not sure if there was an English translation of Turgenev's work in the 30's.
Also in Steinbeck's favor: he was brilliant in his own right.
I once read that originality is now impossible. The most any of us can hope for is to say something in a new and different way. Personally, I don't agree with this...
cc
Steinbeck! Of course! I just couldn't place it.
http://www.abctales.com/forum/2005/09/19/competition_-_which_book
The answer is Canney Row? :-)
justyn_thyme
I think I've read Wayward Bus. Is there an overflowing river that requires the bus to make a detour?