The Pearl

First published in 1947, John Steinbeck's parable is a literary jewel.

Kino is a Mexican pearl-fisher in the Gulf of California. When he and his wife, Juana, have a baby, their joy is complete . . . until the infant is bitten by a scorpion. Kino finds a great pearl worth a fortune, far more than enough to pay the doctor needed to save the baby's life, but it brings only tragedy and evil to his family. A masterpiece of American literature.

Library Journal

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.-Denise A. Garofalo, Mid-Hudson Lib. System, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

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.