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John Steinbeck, winner of the Nobel Prize, writes with passion of the sun and the earth and its land. To a God Unknown reveals a clear picture of the importance of life and it is based around the idea that the land surrounding you should describe you and become your greatest value and treasure. The story is about the Wayne family and how they start new lives and a new homestead right outside a town called Nuestra Señora. Their ranch is located several miles from the southwestern coast of America, a day of riding on horseback. John Wayne, the father of the Wayne family, has passed away, and he leaves his son Joseph the responsibility of seeking new land that is resourceful, affordable, rich in life. Joseph wants to achieve and grant his father’s wish. His responsibility has changed into a burden of heavy weight because he worries that his final choice of settlement is not right for him and his family. He also anticipates that the result of a wrong choice could affect the family’s connection and erupt in emotional downfalls. Joseph lives with his three brothers on the ranch, Thomas, Benjy, and Burton. Benjy is the youngest of the four and is lost in his alcoholism. His personality is not visible or recognizable any longer. He dedicates no quality efforts towards anything. He lies, cheats, steals, and is in no way trustworthy, and this hurts Joseph. Burton is a man who believes his dedication to the church will make him self-righteous, and he claims that all other types of worship are of the devil and should be condemned. Lastly there is Thomas, who lives his life with nature and carries out his love for the earth. Animals respond to his natural instincts, and he can therefore communicate with them. Like Joseph, he strongly feels the need for lush land that is rich in life and potential growth. I recommend this book to anyone who values true beauty and fertility in relationships between people and the earth. The book is written in a great format that makes the reader become interested in the story early on. The format is written with the first few chapters shorter than the majority of the chapters. The book is around 200 pages long and written with a 3rd person omniscient narrator. You will become aware of life’s beauty and potential after reading this book. The thoughts that run through each characters mind are described incredibly realistically. Steinbeck captures the setting well in words and never comes out and says where the story takes place or what year. He names the town and talks about the coastline and the reader is left to assume the setting. The sorrow, faith, and love of the story come to life and will leave you pondering the next event in the book when you are occupied in your daily life. |
John
Steinbeck Page - This site offers a number of links relating to
Steinbeck's writing and accomplishments.