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The Pearl
The Pearl
Author: John Steinbeck
THE PEARL is an enduring and classic fable, sensitively told, in simple and beautiful language. It is the story of a fisherman who found a pearl beyond price, the Pearl of the World. With the pearl, he hoped to buy peace and happiness for himself, his wife, and their little son. — Instead he found that peace and happiness are not to be purchase...  more »
ISBN: 225291
Publication Date: 6/1964
Pages: 118
Rating:
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0 stars, based on 0 rating
Publisher: The Viking Press
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Pearl on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the Gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sead gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon." With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security. A story of classic simplicity, based on a Mexican folk tale, THE PEARL explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil and the luminous possibilities of love.
jenniferm avatar reviewed The Pearl on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
reviewed The Pearl on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
harmony85 avatar reviewed The Pearl on + 982 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Steinbeck classic. Kina, a poor pearl diver, finds a huge pearl and thinks all his dreams will come true.
Read All 27 Book Reviews of "The Pearl"

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reviewed The Pearl on + 9 more book reviews
An amazing tale of metamorphosis told as only John Steinbeck could. A true classic.
reviewed The Pearl on + 26 more book reviews
this is a hard back version
jonnylongball avatar reviewed The Pearl on + 43 more book reviews
wicked good
reviewed The Pearl on + 9 more book reviews
A deceptively simple book, with an unforgettable message.
reviewed The Pearl on
Wonderfully written, of course, because its author is Steinbeck. It explores deep inside the evil capacities of the human soul. Greed can certainly destroy a person's very being (and reason for being). A must-read classic!
GeniusJen avatar reviewed The Pearl on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Taylor Rector for TeensReadToo.com

Kino and his wife, Juana, have a beautiful baby boy, but one morning he gets stung by a scorpion. He is rushed to the doctor, who will not treat him because they have no form of payment.

The parents get in their boat to look for a pearl to use as payment, and, amazingly, find one that is referred to as the "moon" -- and is about the size of a goose egg.

What happens when they go to the dealers to collect their money? You'll have to read this classic novel to find out.

THE PEARL is a very short book that, honestly, I wouldn't have chosen to read except that it's for school. It's a very basic story, but everything in the book also has a double meaning, which is thought-provoking.
reviewed The Pearl on
Quick read. Good story about being careful what you wish for.
ProfDon avatar reviewed The Pearl on + 38 more book reviews
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.
reviewed The Pearl on + 2 more book reviews
This has a nice life lesson in the story, but I didn't like it as well as other books by John Steinbeck.
reviewed The Pearl on + 6 more book reviews
A great introductory Steinbeck read!
reviewed The Pearl on + 28 more book reviews
This is another amazing story that will capture any reader who has enjoyed Steinbeck's other works--his prose style ensures quick and pleasurable reading, yet a lasting memory that you will find keeps coming back to you...


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