A book of great beauty and simplicity, The Pearl can be appreciated on an aesthetic, ecological, or sociological vein. This is a story about a great pearl, a Mexican community, and great dreams and powers in a novel of largesse and quiet profundity.
Bonnie F. (harmony85) from HERMAN, MN wrote on 4/23/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Steinbeck classic. Kina, a poor pearl diver, finds a huge pearl and thinks all his dreams will come true.
Lindsey B. (Lindsb) from TUNKHANNOCK, PA wrote on 4/17/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
Jennifer M. from CHICOPEE, MA wrote on 1/8/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
Jeanne F. from LA VERGNE, TN wrote on 2/24/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
Rate These Member Reviews
Sarah Jane E. (kotn) from AKRON, OH wrote on 11/11/2007...
The most amazing book I have read in a long time. A unique book, at that. There are so many symbols, so much foreshadowing, it adds life to a simple folk tale.
Felicia S. from NEW YORK, NY wrote on 10/2/2007...
The Pearl is an EXCELLENT story. It tells the story of a lowly pearl fisher who finds a magnificent pearl and tries to use it to better his families situation. It is a heart-wrenching tale of tragedy but it is written so well that the story unfolds easily as you read.
Jane P. (jpassantino) from AVONDALE, PA wrote on 3/24/2007...
This is a very famous book by John Steinbeck, and is usually required reading for 8th - 10th graders.
Beth K. from ANN ARBOR, MI wrote on 2/15/2007...
This is a good book about life and greed. It is a nice quick read.
Anna T. (Dwell) from TALLAHASSEE, FL wrote on 1/16/2007...
short and sweet
Amy R. from CINCINNATI, OH wrote on 8/17/2006...
A very short, simple story.
Will S. from HOUSTON, TX wrote on 12/13/2005...
A short, great read. Good introduction to Steinbeck.