Emily's Book Review: Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

Book Review: Of Mice and Men

Now, here is a book a lot of people who have been at school within the last 10 years may recognise. It is among a selection of books that can be chosen to study for final year English exams - and it was indeed mine! Although this may be a bizarre choice to pick, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book both in and out of school and wanted to come back and give it a review while the story is still fresh in my mind (and on my bookshelf!) 

This short novel, (or novella, as it's known) with just 107 pages, is set in the Great Depression of America, following the lives of those who were worst affected, including exploring controversial themes of racism, class, death and disability. As an author, John Steinbeck is incredibly skilled and was a keen activist of injustice, poverty and inequality in his time, which is clearly visible in the way the book is written and the plot that follows. Of Mice and Men is over 80 years old as I write this post, but is still well-known around the world today. It is a well-known classic story which is a must-read for anyone who can appreciate a good book and is named one of the best books of all time for valid reason. I don't have particular interest in history nor American culture, but this novel is both insightful and emotionally engaging at many points, so much so that even I shed a tear or two through my first reading of it. Of Mice and Men highlights the importance of equality and perseverance during the toughest of times, with the reach of the American Dream becoming impossible. Death is a common theme in the book, among other unsuitable themes for younger readers, so would recommend this for those aged 13 and over.

Because of the many themes and discussion points in the plot, it makes for a wonderful choice for book groups, school projects or as a studying aid. It is a book with much to give and even more to take away from it with plenty of implicit meanings to the portrayal of characters and moral lessons to be learned. If you would rather a book that inspires you to be thoughtful and provoke emotions, this is a perfect story to begin with. It has depressive undertones which aren't always obvious first time around, but you will never be disappointed with what you can take away each and every time, it is a read that I have never forgotten and am likely ever to forget.