Quote:
Originally Posted by caleb72
There are a few great books on this list, but I was completely blown away by Grapes of Wrath.
I think what I love about this book is that Steinbeck presents a hopeless situation in such a dark time of poverty, but treats those who are crushed by it with such a tender dignity and respect. He takes a group of people who have been dehumanised by circumstance and greed and honours them - elevates them.
The story is dark in so many ways, but there is also something beautiful and joyful about the family portrayed even through its trials. I think this is most evident in Rose of Sharon's scene at the end of the novel; that even through her darkest moment, there is personal redemption.
It's seldom that I read a book that affects me the way that Grapes of Wrath has affected me and I would humbly submit it as a strong candidate for the best novel released in this decade.
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I have the same feelings here. Flipping TV channels this morning, I landed on the movie's diner scene. While this was changed from being an intercalery parable in the book to specifically involving the Joads in the movie, this scene has a HUGE impact on helping understand this dignity--the respect every human deserves, but that is in such short supply. If I were making my own personal list of books, this is not only the best-written candidate for this decade, but it would be on another list for the most impactful of the 20th Century.