John Steinbeck’s short fiction is set in the 1920s during the great depression in the USA. The plot line follows two itinerant workers that share a rare and remarkable friendship that breaks the stereotype of lonely ranch workers. The plot gives an insight into the lonely and often discriminative lives of ranch workers, and portrays how characters can be corrupted by loneliness and power. 

The story is rich in emotion and thick in plot; the writing fully exploits the beauty of nature and the destruction that mankind causes to it.  Steinbeck created layered characters that any reader will fall in and out of love (and hate) with.  I believe that due to the previous characteristics of the novel it rightfully deserves its title as a classic.

The novel proves that Classics aren’t just for fifty-year old English Literature Professors, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  As a fifteen year old I found the storyline and style of writing very enjoyable to read; I particularly loved the characterisation, as all of the characters had their own clear personalities and parts to play throughout the plot.

Steinbeck has written a novel that is pure literary genius; which portrays the ambiguity of dreams and shows strong themes of friendship and loneliness, racism and sexism, dreams and corruption. To read and experience the unique style of John Steinbeck, buy the heartbreaking and touching novel ‘of Mice and Men’ for as little as £6.99.

by Aneira Evans