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Book cover of Sweet Thursday
American Fiction, American Fiction & Literature Classics, Family & Friendship - Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Character Types - Fiction

Sweet Thursday

by John Steinbeck, Robert DeMott (Introduction), Robert DeMott
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Overview

In Monterey, on the California coast, Sweet Thursday is what they call the day after Lousy Wednesday, which is one of those days that are just naturally bad. Returning to the scene of Cannery Row—the weedy lots and junk heaps and flophouses of Monterey, John Steinbeck once more brings to life the denizens of a netherworld of laughter and tears—from Fauna, new headmistress of the local brothel, to Hazel, a bum whose mother must have wanted a daughter.
 

Synopsis

In Monterey, on the California coast, Sweet Thursday is what they call the day after Lousy Wednesday, which is one of those days that are just naturally bad. Returning to the scene of Cannery Row—the weedy lots and junk heaps and flophouses of Monterey, John Steinbeck once more brings to life the denizens of a netherworld of laughter and tears—from Fauna, new headmistress of the local brothel, to Hazel, a bum whose mother must have wanted a daughter.

New Republic

An emphatic and clear-cut statement of Steinbeck's greatest theme: the common bonds of humanity and love which make goodness and happiness possible.

About the Author, John Steinbeck

Chronicling American dreams destroyed by either injustice or the simple difficulty of the world, John Steinbeck left lasting testaments to the struggles of working people in The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row. His refusal to water down his realistic work got some of his books banned and earned him a Nobel Prize.

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Editorials

Atlantic

A postwar continuation of Cannery Row, [Sweet Thursday is] every bit as juicy and relaxed as the original. . . . This is comedy—bawdy, sentimental, and good fun.

New Republic

An emphatic and clear-cut statement of Steinbeck's greatest theme: the common bonds of humanity and love which make goodness and happiness possible.

Library Journal

Published in 1954, this continues the tale begun in Cannery Row. The setting is the same, and familiar characters return—Mack and his buddies and marine biologist Doc. But there are changes, too. Joseph-and-Mary Rivas is the new owner of Lee Chong's grocery store, and Fauna has taken over the Bear Flag brothel from her sister Dora. Cannery Row was not immune to the changes wrought by World War II. Doc has returned from his military service to reopen Western Biological Supply. Before the war, he was content to collect and sell specimens and listen to classical music. Now, he feels intensely lonely and also pressured to publish the results of his scientific work. Mack and Fauna conspire to pair him with Suzy, the Bear Flag's new girl. The best of intentions go awry in a humorous and charming series of misunderstandings. VERDICT Jerry Farden's straightforward reading allows the listener to discern the irony and humor of which the characters are unaware. A welcome choice for public libraries that could be part of a "Heard any classics?" display.—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL

Book Details

Published
July 1, 2008
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Pages
288
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780143039471

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