The Pearl

Title: The Pearl

Author:  John Steinbeck

Copyright: 1947

Summary: This is the story of Kino and his family. Kino is a broken-hearted father at times when he realizes he is so poor that can’t even attain medical services for his own son, Coyotito, when he is stung by a scorpion. Into the book, however, Kino finds a pearl larger and more valuable than most people in the village have ever seen or even heard of. The book describes how this very fortunate event quickly turns sour for Kino and his family when they find many challenges in dealing with this sudden wealth and local fame.

My Opinion: Greed takes center stage in this book. All I have to say is, “poor Kino”. I really feel bad for him. He is just a husband and father trying to do what’s best for his family and when this great fortune comes to his family, it seems like the people and even the elements are conspiring against him to manipulate him, steal from him and even kill him, all because of the great pearl that he found. It is probably important to note that it is not the pearl that brings on these trials that Kino must face, but rather it is the greed of other individuals (and sometimes Kino himself). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Steinbeck is a great writer, and a simple writer. The story is really good and although this story on the surface is not as sad as most Steinbeck books, I found it pretty sad because I really grew to like Kino and his family so much. It is a good lesson for us to know that we need to be careful for what we wish for, because some day we may get it.