This book, "Tortilla Flat" by John Steinbeck, follows the story of Danny and his friends, a group of ne'er do wells living in an impoverished area near Monterey, California. After inheriting a house, Danny's friends move in with him, and their days are spent seeking out wine and enjoying each other's company. The book is a series of vignettes showcasing the camaraderie and loyalty among the characters, despite their aimless lives and questionable decisions. Steinbeck's writing style is described as evocative, humorous, and sympathetic, with masterful descriptions of nature and people's lives.

Characters:

The characters are a group of lovable ne'er-do-wells, each with their unique traits, bound by friendship and their shared struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is simple and poetic, filled with humor and lyrical dialogue, reflecting the cultural backdrop of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Danny and his friends as they navigate life in Monterey after he inherits two houses, leading to a series of humorous and poignant adventures centered around friendship and survival.

Setting:

The setting is an impoverished yet culturally rich area in Monterey, California, during the post-war period.

Pacing:

The pacing is episodic, featuring engaging and sometimes contemplative segments that maintain reader interest.

THIS is the story of Danny and of Danny’s friends and of Danny’s house. It is a story of how these three became one thing, so that in Tortilla Flat if you speak of Danny’s house you do not mean a stru...

Notes:

The story revolves around Danny and his friends, who are part of a group called paisanos, a mix of different ethnic backgrounds living in Monterey, California.

Danny inherits two houses from his grandfather but finds the responsibility of ownership burdensome.

The characters enjoy a carefree lifestyle focused on drinking wine and seeking joy, often at the expense of societal norms.

Steinbeck draws parallels between Danny's group and the Arthurian legend of King Arthur and his knights.

Despite their mischief and crime, the paisanos display strong loyalty and friendship with one another.

The narrative style is episodic, with each chapter resembling a standalone story about the group's escapades.

The novel explores themes of camaraderie, poverty, and the moral complexities of their actions.

Steinbeck's portrayal of the paisanos has been critiqued for perpetuating stereotypes and racial assumptions, though some see it as affectionately honoring their spirit.

The writing reflects Steinbeck's poetic style, mixing humor with moments of melancholy.

Tortilla Flat was Steinbeck's first commercial success and is often considered a precursor to his later, more serious works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Tortilla Flat include themes of alcoholism, violence, and potential racial insensitivity.

From The Publisher:

"Steinbeck is an artists; and he tells the stories of these lovable thieves and adulterers with a gentle and poetic purity of heart and of prose." -New York Herald Tribune

Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, John Steinbeck created a "Camelot" on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur's castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging-men who fiercely resist the corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude.

Ratings (12)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (24):

Read It (14)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (2)

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About the Author:

John Steinbeck, born in Salinas, California, in 1902, grew up in a fertile agricultural valley, about 25 miles from the Pacific Coast. Both the valley and the coast would serve as settings for some of his best fiction. In 1919…

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