The Winter of Our Discontent

Author:

John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California in 1902. He studied marine biology at Stanford University but never earned his degree and started working instead. After a few years, he moved to New York City to try to write as a freelancer, but eventually returned to California where he wrote his first widely successful novel, Tortilla Flat. More success came with his following novels and short stories and he won a Nobel Prize in 1962. Steinbeck died in New York City in 1968 and he is buried with his family in Salinas.

Learn More about John Steinbeck

Three words to describe this read:

Unclear- as much as I enjoyed the story, I felt that the last 50 pages or so clouded my understanding of the plot and by the end, I was confused about what happened. After looking up a summary of the book (which I hate having to do), everything came together, but I really wished that I could have understood the ending by myself.

Premeditated- Ethan, the main character, is up to something through the whole story and you feel his mind scheming and his demeanor changing along the way. While it isn’t always clear what he is doing, you feel curious to discover the meaning of his plans.

Quotable- this is the first time since high school that I’m reading Steinbeck and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed his writing style. He has an eloquent way with words and explaining the main character’s thoughts and logic.

Quote:

“He had taken his pleasure, savored his love, and paid his debts, and how many people even approached that?”

I like this sentiment Ethan has about a captain in the army who he used to know and I feel that it showcases the characteristics and morals that are important to him.