Ironic Contradictions

As my first foray into the works of John Steinbeck Tortilla Flat was both intriguing and fascinating. It was clear from the outset that Steinbeck holds mastery over the language captured within his vocabulary and is able to force it to breathe and move like a living creature.

Although a small novel by modern standards (at only around 170 pages) Tortilla Flat was a study of the daily lives of a group of friends living in Tortilla Flat in California. Brought together by the common thread of friendship these people are observed in various chapters as they help each other out and work to help other less fortunate people. Ultimately though their fellowship falls apart with the death of their friend and they leave their previous friendship behind in ashes.

It was a moving text, a relaxing read and one that completed its intended effect: to provide an escape into another world. After all despite claims to the contrary a good story should be one that releases the reader into another world. And Tortilla Flat while not the greatest novel I've ever read was well written, composed and lyrical. If the truth be told my favorite tales are ones which wax lyrical and haunt the reader after the pages are gone. And this novel certainly haunts the reader.

I highly encourage all genuine readers to browse the pages of this story and discover the world within. Hopefully you will find it as entertaining as I myself did.