So many people have read this book, and yet opinions remain deeply divided. That made me curious enough to finally pick it up and I’m glad I did. For me, it was fantastic. Bittersweet, or rather tragic, but written with such compassion, raw emotion, and a touch of brutality that it’s impossible to remain unaffected.

“Drifters in search of work, George and his childlike friend Lennie have nothing in the world except the clothes on their backs and a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California’s Salinas Valley, but their hopes are dashed as Lennie becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and shared vision, and giving a voice to America’s lonely and dispossessed.”

Blurb

I don’t want to give away too much of the story, since even the smallest detail can spoil its impact. But you can’t help caring about Lennie. He is innocent like a child, yet dangerous because he doesn’t understand his own strength. I felt so deeply for him. He‘s the kind of character you want to hold close and reassure, even though you know life won’t grant him that comfort.

This story hits you right in the gut. And while it does so, it’s written with such quiet beauty that you almost don’t notice the depth of its tragedy until it’s too late. I highly recommend it, especially in audiobook form, narrated by Gary Sinise (who played George in the film adaptation). The slang on the page is powerful, but hearing it spoken aloud makes you feel as if you’re walking alongside George and Lennie themselves.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️