Tortilla Flat

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: John McDonough

Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, Steinbeck created a Camelot on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur’s castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging—men who fiercely resist the corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude.

As Steinbeck chronicles their deeds—their multiple lovers, their wonderful brawls, their Rabelaisian wine-drinking—he spins a tale as compelling and ultimately as touched by sorrow as the famous legends of the Round Table, which inspired him.

Public Domain (P)2011 Penguin

Different study of Steinbeck

If you could sum up Tortilla Flat in three words, what would they be?

Interesting - a negative sterio-type of Mexicans in America

What could John Steinbeck have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing - really - maybe a disclamer to say this isn't really what Mexicans are like.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the baby was dying and they didn't even realize it or really seem to care.

Uncanny & Beautiful

Though all of Steinbeck lends a beautiful simplicity and comedy to life, this story had a particularly earthly feel. The smallest of towns and the smallness of the world were palpable.

One image is unshakeable — the human/hawk/hovering cloud over Danny’s head — a precursor to Infinite Jest’s “shadow of the wing of the thing too big to see.” Steinbeck’s surrealist, uncanny movements — just for a moment — take you from the grays and dust of Tortilla Flat to a place just beyond our world, where the rules of our earth are suspended and imagination reigns. As with the boy who stumbles upon the eye of the Chinese nightwalker in Cannery Row, we can only wonder alongside poor Danny and his friends.

awesome

Only Suttree stands close to true hoboness of this fine old homeless family tree. One of my favorite Steinbecks

you know, stienbeck! lots of details & hidden msg

i didnt get it. but i enjoyed it. you know, stienbeck man! gotta look 4 the hidden messages

Enjoy!

John Steinbeck never fails to succeed. The lush descriptions of the places and the extraordinary character development move the stories along in their pleasing plots.

gifted writer

Steinbeck wrote a classic here every sentence descriptive and moving on. one of my favorite stories by Steinbeck

Quintessential Steinbeck

I never, ever tire of Steinbeck. And this is one of my favorites. now, on to Cannery Row.

Not One of My Favorite Steinbeck's, But...

It's still Steinbeck and I crave his words, I missed so much by not reading Steinbeck until my late thirties. All of his stories have resonated with me in some capacity and this one is no different. Having lived on the Monterey Penninsula a few different times over the past twenty years, I like to think of it as my second home. Hearing the exploits of Danny and his posse as they travel the county post WWI reminded me of my time as a Soldier at the Presidio (albeit before GWOT) and keeping an eye on my drinking buddies on Alvarado Street.

The crew circuitously navigate back and forth across the ethical/moral line of friendship, predicated on the amount of alcohol they've consumed, since they last consumed, or when their consciences overpower that social inhibitor. Steinbeck never fails to teach through the follies and triumphs of his characters and those in Tortilla Flat have many. I was so proud of the boys' decision with the Pirate, yet so disappointed in their virtue compromising when it came to the drink.

I usually listen at 3x speed and had zero issues with this narration by John McDonough. I've listened to several books of his in the past and he's fabulous. I left only four stars for the book, because - although it's Steinbeck - it doesn't compare to his other works. I liked it better than Cannery Row, but far less than, Of Mice And Men, and nowhere near, The Grapes of Wrath.

Steinbeck classic

This is a classic Steinbeck book and I can see why. It is a good story and again demonstrates Steinbecks love/admiration for the underdog. The reason why I don’t have it at 4 stars is because I thought some of the storytelling could have been better. But I will say that I do still recommend this for any fan of Steinbeck or someone just looking for a good story.

Classic!

Steinbeck has always been a favorite author. The narration was fantastic! The reading brought the characters to life. Loved it!