I loved reading THE GRAPES OF WRATH - It was one incredible journey. I read it years ago, and still remember the vivid descriptions of the great Dust Bowl and the meager food cooked by the migrant farm workers. You have a really great read ahead of you. :)
I’m not American, but when I think of the quintessential American novel, I think of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Although it’s not stellar writing (some dismissed it as trite), I love the strong characters and historical accuracy.
I love the long descriptive passages of the countryside, the people, and the fashions that bring the story to life. And, its themes still apply today: tragic romance; war, and its aftermath; racism; loyalty; and the haves and the have-nots, and how they react when they switch places.
As for Scarlett O’Hara, I love that she was an “anti-heroine” of sorts. From the very first line (“Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it.”), she broke the mould of the conventional romance novel heroine. Scarlett is portrayed as selfish, shrewd and vain, but also strong, unconventional and, unwittingly, a feminist. She’s one of the most richly developed female characters in literature.
I think it shows Americans at their best – optimistic, family-oriented, patriotic, and strong.
I had to read Grapes of Wrath in high school, and didn't like it, though I blame that on it being required reading, as opposed to my choice. However I loved Travels with Charley. I feel like you can't have an 'American' novel unless you end up traveling through a few dozen states in the process.
I love all of John Steinbeck's novels. My favorite Great American Novel would be any novel he wrote.
ReplyDeleteHave a great 4th of July weekend!
Hmm, Breakfast of Champions? Although I never finished that one, the beginning was awesome. It's hard to think of a strictly "American" novel.
ReplyDeleteWait: "Middlesex."
ReplyDeleteGrapes of Wrath. Still the best book I ever read.
ReplyDeleteI really liked LITTLE BIG MAN by Thomas Berger. It initiated my obsession with the unreliable narrator. Happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteOnly 5 comments and I'm already the third for Steinbeck. Grapes of Wrath shaped the way I think about America, and the American Dream
ReplyDeleteGrapes of Wrath has been sitting on my shelf for the past six years and has never been read. This needs to change!
ReplyDeleteGrapes of Wrath is like reading a 450-page Bruce Springsteen song.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be honest, I'm not a Steinbeck fan. But, I love Huck Finn. Mark Twain FTW!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading THE GRAPES OF WRATH - It was one incredible journey. I read it years ago, and still remember the vivid descriptions of the great Dust Bowl and the meager food cooked by the migrant farm workers. You have a really great read ahead of you. :)
I enjoyed The Grapes of Wrath and loved The Great Gatsby. But my vote for the Great American novel goes to To Kill a Mockingbird.
ReplyDeleteQuoting Gregg: "Grapes of Wrath is like reading a 450-page Bruce Springsteen song."
ReplyDelete^That's pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever read.
Fahrenheit 451.
ReplyDeleteSomehow that doesn't seem to fit the uplifting nature of this weekend.
Ooo. To Kill a Mockingbird. I agree with Connie. The South is part of America, too!
ReplyDeleteThe Grapes of Wrath impacted how I saw the world when I read it as a teenager, so I'd have to say that.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there a novel called "The Great American Novel"? A quick check suggests there is, but it probably doesn't live up to its name.
Yes, Ben. It's by Philip Roth. Never read it though..
ReplyDeleteI also second (or third?) To Kill a Mockingbird!
I’m not American, but when I think of the quintessential American novel, I think of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Although it’s not stellar writing (some dismissed it as trite), I love the strong characters and historical accuracy.
ReplyDeleteI love the long descriptive passages of the countryside, the people, and the fashions that bring the story to life. And, its themes still apply today: tragic romance; war, and its aftermath; racism; loyalty; and the haves and the have-nots, and how they react when they switch places.
As for Scarlett O’Hara, I love that she was an “anti-heroine” of sorts. From the very first line (“Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it.”), she broke the mould of the conventional romance novel heroine. Scarlett is portrayed as selfish, shrewd and vain, but also strong, unconventional and, unwittingly, a feminist. She’s one of the most richly developed female characters in literature.
I think it shows Americans at their best – optimistic, family-oriented, patriotic, and strong.
I had to read Grapes of Wrath in high school, and didn't like it, though I blame that on it being required reading, as opposed to my choice. However I loved Travels with Charley. I feel like you can't have an 'American' novel unless you end up traveling through a few dozen states in the process.
ReplyDelete