The Pearl

Author: John Steinbeck
Genre: fiction
Publication info: Penguin Books, 1992 (originally published in 1947)
Pages: 90

When you hear the name John Steinbeck, what comes to mind? I think of the Great Depression, dust bowls, poor farmers struggling to make a living, mice, men, grapes, and wrath. The Pearl has none of that, except for the poor people. Come to think of it, the book also has plenty of wrath.

The story reads like a fable or parable—because that's what it is. With a feeling altogether different from that of Steinbeck's normal gritty realism, this is a retelling of a Mexican folk tale. It is the story of Kino, a poor man who makes his living by diving for pearls in the sea. When his infant son, Coyotito, is stung by a scorpion, Kino and his wife, Juana, are desperate to have him cured, but the doctor won't even consider treating such poor people. Then, on what is supposed to be a routine dive for pearls, Kino finds the pearl, "the Pearl of the World." With this new treasure, the life of Kino's family changes abruptly. They soon discover that the pearl may be more trouble than it is worth.

I love this book primarily for its lyricism. Although the story quickly turns very dark, the narration is beautiful throughout. Usually I prefer a more straightforward story, but for some reason the style of this short novel gives me great pleasure.

I also have to say that the book ends in a less than pleasant way, but I like it. When a friend caught me reading this book, she warned me that the end is horrifying, but she didn't deter me. For one thing, I expect that from Steinbeck, and for another, the entire story is a setup for a horrifying ending. I'll say this: it doesn't let you down. Be prepared for a heartbreaker.

It had been a long time since I read Steinbeck last, and now I guess I like him more than I used to.