“There it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon.” Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sea gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon." With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security.... A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love. From the Trade Paperback edition.
This informative volume examines John Steinbeck's life and work, with a specific look at key ideas related to The Pearl. The book discusses a variety of topics, including whether Kino chooses enslavement to wealth in order to escape poverty, and whether the townspeople have a parasitic relationship with the poor. The book also explores contemporary perspectives on poverty, such as the changing views of the term "culture of poverty" and the relationship between Western materialism and spiritual depression.
A New York Times Bestselling Author. Winner of the 1962 Nobel Prize for Literature. In this short book illuminated by a deep understanding and love of humanity, John Steinbeck retells an old Mexican folk tale. For the diver Kino, finding a magnificent pearl means the promise of a better life for his impoverished family. His dream blinds him to the greed and suspicions the pearl arouses in him and his neighbors, and even his loving wife cannot stem the events leading to tragedy.
Embark on a powerful and poignant journey of human nature and the pursuit of dreams with "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck, a timeless classic that explores the depths of greed, hope, and the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of a small Mexican fishing village, "The Pearl" follows the story of Kino, a humble pearl diver, and his wife Juana, as they discover a magnificent pearl that promises to change their lives forever. As Kino dreams of a better future for his family, the pearl becomes a symbol of hope and opportunity, but it also unleashes forces of greed and destruction that threaten to tear their world apart. Themes of wealth, poverty, and the corrupting influence of materialism resonate throughout the narrative as Steinbeck delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through Kino's journey, readers are confronted with profound questions about the nature of happiness and the price of pursuing one's dreams. Character analysis focuses on Kino as the protagonist of the story, revealing him to be a man of deep conviction and unwavering determination. From his initial optimism and hope to his eventual disillusionment and despair, Kino's transformation reflects the universal struggle to reconcile one's desires with the harsh realities of life. The overall tone and mood of the novel are one of tension and foreboding, as Steinbeck masterfully builds suspense and drama with each turn of the page. From the tranquil beauty of the ocean to the dark underbelly of human greed, "The Pearl" offers a richly textured portrait of a world in flux, where the pursuit of fortune comes at a devastating cost. Critically acclaimed for its depth of insight and emotional resonance, "The Pearl" has earned praise from readers and critics alike for its powerful storytelling and profound themes. Its timeless message about the fragility of dreams and the dangers of unchecked ambition continues to resonate with readers of all ages, making it a beloved classic of American literature. Whether you're a longtime fan of John Steinbeck's work or discovering "The Pearl" for the first time, this timeless masterpiece offers a compelling exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of hope. Join Kino on his journey of discovery and let Steinbeck's evocative prose and haunting imagery transport you to a world where the pursuit of a dream can lead to unexpected consequences. Don't miss your chance to experience the power and beauty of "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck. Order your copy today and discover why this timeless classic continues to captivate readers around the world.
Ahren can hardly believe his luck. His normal life consists of being beaten up by his drunkard father or bullied by the village lads. But at the annual suitability tests for apprenticeships, the young boy finds himself selected by Falk, the guardian of the forest, to be his apprentice and his world is turned upside down.From his new master he learns the skills of archery and how to fight the Dark Ones. And then, on the day of the Spring Ceremony there is another unexpected turn of events. He touches the Stone of the Gods and it illuminates for the first time ever. It isn't long before a cantankerous wizard turns up and urges Falk and Ahren into action. There is no time to waste, for something evil is awakening.The unlikely trio begin their dangerous journey to Evergreen, the elfish kingdom to get the elves' help. But time is running out. HE, WHO FORCES has his eyes trained on Ahren and nothing will stop him from destroying the young man.Let yourself be swept into the fantastic world of Jorath by diving into AHREN, THE THIRTEENTH PALADIN (volume 1). For all fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS and David Edding's BELGARIAD.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of the Great Depression, a book that galvanized—and sometimes outraged—millions of readers. First published in 1939, Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of one Oklahoma farm family, the Joads—driven from their homestead and forced to travel west to the promised land of California. Out of their trials and their repeated collisions against the hard realities of an America divided into Haves and Have-Nots evolves a drama that is intensely human yet majestic in its scale and moral vision, elemental yet plainspoken, tragic but ultimately stirring in its human dignity. A portrait of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless, of one man’s fierce reaction to injustice, and of one woman’s stoical strength, the novel captures the horrors of the Great Depression and probes into the very nature of equality and justice in America. At once a naturalistic epic, captivity narrative, road novel, and transcendental gospel, Steinbeck’s powerful landmark novel is perhaps the most American of American Classics. This Centennial edition, specially designed to commemorate one hundred years of Steinbeck, features french flaps and deckle-edged pages. For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
This collection of letters forms a fascinating day-by-day account of Steinbeck's writing of EAST OF EDEN, his longest and most ambitious novel. The letters, ranging over many subjects - textual discussion, trial flights of workmanship, family matters - provide an illuminating perspective on Steinbeck, the creative genius, and a private glimpse of Steinbeck, the man.
“There it lay, the great pearl, perfect as the moon.” Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sea gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon." With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security.... A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love.
