Search - The Pearl

Steinbeck classic. Kina, a poor pearl diver, finds a huge pearl and thinks all his dreams will come true.

Kino, a poor Mexican pearl fisher, finds a valuable pearl. Yet instead of bringing blessings, the pearl acts as a harbinger of misfortune to Kino and his wife, Juana. Ultimately, it is returned from whence it came. Steinbeck's parable, originally published in 1947, is a well-written retelling of an old Mexican folktale. Hector Elizondo, with his fine voice and great diction, reads with sincerity, keeping this simple, tragic tale moving toward its inevitable conclusion. Highly recommended for all collections.

A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folk tale, The Pearl explores the secrest of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love.

This great old, old tale is one I find I want to/need to read every decade or so...just to remind me of the essential truths contained in the old legend, not to mention enjoying the way a master like Steinbeck tells the tale.

This has a nice life lesson in the story, but I didn't like it as well as other books by John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck is easily one of my favorite authors. I absolutely love his novels, and I love the time period in which they take place. I am fascinated by that time in American history. The Pearl, however, is not one of his Great Depressionesque novels. But, it is one of my favorite novels of his. I love the passion of the novel - passion between the man and wife, between them and their child, the passion to save their child, and finally, the passion and desperation surrounding the pearl. It is a dark novel with an unexpected ending - two of the main reasons why I loved it so much. I only wonder what inspired Steinbeck to write such a story.