60 pages 2 hours read

John Steinbeck

Cannery Row

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck follows an eclectic group of characters in Monterey during the Great Depression, centered around Doc, a marine biologist; Mack and his friends; and Lee Chong, a grocery store owner. They navigate life's challenges by relying on their community, orchestrating events like collecting frogs and throwing parties for Doc. Note: The novel contains depictions of death by suicide, infanticide, and alcohol abuse, as well as outdated, offensive terms.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Steinbeck's Cannery Row captures the spirit of a tight-knit community during the Great Depression with vivid characters and lyrical prose. Critics praise its rich atmosphere and strong sense of place but note the lack of a conventional plot may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it’s lauded for its warmth, humor, and insightful exploration of humanity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cannery Row?

Readers who cherish community tales, vivid character portrayals, and lyrical prose will find joy in John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Fans of Steinbeck's nuanced social commentary may also appreciate Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Both authors offer profound insights into human nature akin to Steinbeck’s works.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

930L

Book Details

Genre

American Literature

Historical Fiction

Classic Fiction

Topics

History: World

Arts / Culture

Anthropology

Themes

Society: Community

Natural World: Place

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil