Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

The Winter of Our Discontent
is John Steinbeck's last novel, published in 1961. The title comes from the first two lines of William Shakespeare's Richard III: "Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun [or son] of York".

The story concerns mainly Ethan Allen Hawley, a former member of Long Island's aristocratic class. Ethan's late father lost the family fortune, and thus Ethan works as a grocery store clerk. His wife Mary and their children resent their mediocre social and economic status, and do not value the honesty and integrity that Ethan struggles to maintain amidst a corrupt society. These external factors and his own psychological turmoil lead Ethan to try to overcome his inherent integrity in order to reclaim his former status and wealth.

Lesle wrote: "The Winter of Our Discontent
is John Steinbeck's last novel, published in 1961. The title comes from the first two lines of William Shakespeare's Richard III: "Now is the winter of our ..."

That sounds like a good one, Lesle.

I'm planning to read this.

I'll be reading this too, probably around mid-month. Thanks for the explanation of the title, Lesle. I like how he choses them from old classics, like in Of Mice and Men . :)

It definately does Gary.
This is one I plan to read too!

Piyangie wrote: "Thanks for the explanation of the title, Lesle. I like how he choses them from old classics, like in Of Mice and Men . :)"

Steinbeck chose the title Of Mice and Men after reading a poem called “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns, in which the poet regrets accidentally destroying a mouse's nest. The poem resonates with several of Of Mice and Men's central themes: the impermanence of home and the harshness of life for the most vulnerable.

I've just finished The Winter of Our Discontent.

I'd wondered if this, his last book, would show a falling off of his skill, but I needn't have worried. This is classic Steinbeck, in fact I'd place this in the group of his best works.

Honest, unsentimental, and deeply human.....and I love the way the ending is left to the reader.

I'm intrigued by John's observations, but will have to wait till Christmas week to read it. Won't have time before that.

Better late than never? I know it’s already 28 December, but I just downloaded a copy of this book!

I didn’t have time to read it this month, as I was determined to finish another classic. But today I decided the many hours of reading left to do on a book I hated would be a complete waste of time - so, I abandoned it & won’t be going back (I had already abandoned it last year & this month was a second attempt. It obviously isn’t a book meant for me!) So, I have gained precious reading time for the final Steinbeck book of the year in this group.

Glad you made room for this one, Trisha. And yes, it is better late than never. I started it a little late as well. Now I've read a little over 70%, and I can say it is a worthy book of your time and effort. With Steinbeck, you cannot go wrong. I find this a little different in style and theme. Still, an excellent work.

Piyangie wrote: "Glad you made room for this one, Trisha. And yes, it is better late than never. I started it a little late as well. Now I've read a little over 70%, and I can say it is a worthy book of your time a..."

Thank you, Piyangie. I’m pleased you are enjoying the book.

This is another one that I want to read Trisha and Piyangie.
Not sure it will make this year.

This, to me, is one of his best works, Lesle. You must make time for this next year. :)

Piyangie wrote: "This, to me, is one of his best works, Lesle. You must make time for this next year. :)"

I agree Piyangie - I'd definitely rate this in the group of his best works.

I’m very disappointed. I noticed that others commented that this is one of his best works. Piyangie said it was “a little different in style & theme” - perhaps that’s why I didn’t like it. Until this year I hadn’t read any of Steinbeck’s books, but had started to appreciate his writing & looked forward to reading more. This book has had the opposite effect as I struggled to get through it. Sorry - I’m sure others will enjoy the book, but right now it isn’t for me.

Trisha that is what makes a good conversation when there are different opinions of a work. Some will love a work and others wonder why the others like it so much.

Diversity in styles is what makes things interesting!

Lesle wrote: "Trisha that is what makes a good conversation when there are different opinions of a work. Some will love a work and others wonder why the others like it so much.

Diversity in styles is what makes..."

Good point, Lesle - thank you. I still aim to read some of his other books soon.

I'm sorry it didn’t work for you, Trisha. It's written out of his comfort zone and the writing is a little demanding. I hope you'll enjoy other Steinbeck books you've planned to read.

Steinbeck is a writer who has written a wide variety of books, so you can't tell whether you're going to like him after reading only one or two books.
There are a couple of his books that I really didn't enjoy, the topics, not the writing. But there are others that are just amazing.

Piyangie & Rosemarie, thank you for your helpful comments. I’ll probably need your advice again when I’ve read more of his books - I still have so much to learn!

Thank you.
We all have more to learn, Trisha!

Thank you, Trisha. As Rosemarie said Steinbeck's repertoire is wide. One cannot judge him by one or two disappointments. I started him this year too, and there were few disappointments even though I enjoyed a considerable number. So, please don't be disheartened. I'm sure you'll find some you could enjoy.