Steinbeck, John. The Pearl. London: Penguin, 2011.
This is one of John Steinbecks later novels. He has used an incident taken from his notes made in Mexico. However the protagonist is a family man in the novel, to give the story wider appeal. It has also been called a parable, and presents a clear message to all.
Kino is a pearl diver in
La Paz, in the gulf of California. His sone, Coyolito is bitten by a scorpion.
Kino and his wife Juana need money so they can take the baby to the local
doctor.They dive for pearls and Juana prays to the Christian god for success. Soon Kino finds “the greatest pearl in the world”. He dreams of a marriage service, a new harpoon, a rifle and schooling for his son. The priest rushes to Kino’s house to remind him about the church. Since Coyolito is getting better the doctor gives him powder to eat, so he can cure him again. The doctor also tricks Kino into telling him where the pearl is. Kino has to contend with criminals sent by the doctor and pearl brokers. Then tragedy strikes. In the end Kino realises his dreams and even the pearl have brought him trouble. The story is moving and haunting. It is easy reading for teenagers or adults
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