I have many childhood memories of walking around Monterey, California. It was a favorite destination of my parents and over the years it became a familiar place to me. While I didn’t feel the same magic that my parents do, my memories make it easier to envision the setting of Steinbeck’s Cannery Row.
I’ve only read a few of Steinbeck’s books, and this one seemed to have a different tone than the others. It was sort of a playful side, some clever humor, and moments of nostalgia (for me and possibly for him).
I was mostly impressed with how his writing really evoked a place – really brought it to life. Many novels feature more introspection but this focuses on setting a scene for the reader and seeing how it plays out.
While it seems like a light read, there are sudden striking moments – especially one that takes place in a tide pool in La Jolla. The ending of the book was sort of odd to me – much of the content is quoting ancient poetry. While the poetry is beautiful it dominates the ending and would rather have heard more from some of the key characters in the story.
Next I am reading The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.
