John Steinbeck: Sweet Thursday

Chosen at random from slim pickings available at Bangor Library: no, not the best method for choosing a good read. As it turns out, this book returns to the scene of Cannery Row, the only Steinbeck I read in the 60's and so long ago, I have no idea what it is about.

This novel takes place in the same location with basically the same characters but after the 2nd World War which seems to have barely affected the Cannery Row cast except for a change of ownership in the local grocery and the Bear Flag whore-house. The new owners are just as colourful as their predecessors it seems. The story revolves a new tenant in the street, Suzy, adopted by the Madame of the brothel.

Steinbeck's laconic style is wonderful to read and how he constructs the story, sucking the reader in, is pure magic. The characterisation is effortless and we learn almost everything through the dialogue of the characters and their interaction. Positively spectacular!

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