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John Steinbeck

Cannery Row

John SteinbeckFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945

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Book Brief

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John Steinbeck

Cannery Row

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945
Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1930s

Publication Year

1945

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

930L

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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 Note: The novel contains depictions of death by suicide, infanticide, and alcohol abuse, as well as outdated, offensive terms.

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Humorous

Gritty

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.2

150,397 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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.

4.2

150,397 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

181

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1930s

Publication Year

1945

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

930L

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