Tortilla Flat

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: John McDonough

"Steinbeck is an artist; and he tells stories of these lovable thieves and adulterers with a gentle and poetic purity of heart and of prose."--New York Herald Tribune

Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, Steinbeck created a Camelot on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur's castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging--men who fiercely resist the corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude. As Steinbeck chronicles their deeds--their multiple lovers, their wonderful brawls, their Rabelaisian wine-drinking--he spins a tale as compelling and ultimately as touched by sorrow as the famous legends of the Round Table, which inspired him.

Critic reviews

By the Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

John Steinbeck knew and understood America and Americans better than any other writer of the twentieth century. (The Dallas Morning News) A man whose work was equal to the vast social themes that drove him. (Don DeLillo)"

gifted writer

Steinbeck wrote a classic here every sentence descriptive and moving on. one of my favorite stories by Steinbeck

Quintessential Steinbeck

I never, ever tire of Steinbeck. And this is one of my favorites. now, on to Cannery Row.

Not One of My Favorite Steinbeck's, But...

It's still Steinbeck and I crave his words, I missed so much by not reading Steinbeck until my late thirties. All of his stories have resonated with me in some capacity and this one is no different. Having lived on the Monterey Penninsula a few different times over the past twenty years, I like to think of it as my second home. Hearing the exploits of Danny and his posse as they travel the county post WWI reminded me of my time as a Soldier at the Presidio (albeit before GWOT) and keeping an eye on my drinking buddies on Alvarado Street.

The crew circuitously navigate back and forth across the ethical/moral line of friendship, predicated on the amount of alcohol they've consumed, since they last consumed, or when their consciences overpower that social inhibitor. Steinbeck never fails to teach through the follies and triumphs of his characters and those in Tortilla Flat have many. I was so proud of the boys' decision with the Pirate, yet so disappointed in their virtue compromising when it came to the drink.

I usually listen at 3x speed and had zero issues with this narration by John McDonough. I've listened to several books of his in the past and he's fabulous. I left only four stars for the book, because - although it's Steinbeck - it doesn't compare to his other works. I liked it better than Cannery Row, but far less than, Of Mice And Men, and nowhere near, The Grapes of Wrath.

Steinbeck classic

This is a classic Steinbeck book and I can see why. It is a good story and again demonstrates Steinbecks love/admiration for the underdog. The reason why I don’t have it at 4 stars is because I thought some of the storytelling could have been better. But I will say that I do still recommend this for any fan of Steinbeck or someone just looking for a good story.

Classic!

Steinbeck has always been a favorite author. The narration was fantastic! The reading brought the characters to life. Loved it!