If you want a quick easy introduction to the work of one of the all-time great writers, then try "The Pearl". Steinbeck masterfully fits a great deal of wisdom and power into this short novel. Kino finds "the pearl of the World", and it seems certain to be the making of him and his family. But envy and greed and prejudice ensure that tragedy ensues. Written with the apparently simple style of the most skilled of writers, this moral tale is a quick and easy read which will stay in your mind, heart and soul far longer than most novels of much greater length. One word of warning: if you have the Penguin Modern Classics edition with an introduction by Linda Wagner-Martin, do NOT read the introduction before reading the book (unless you like to have all the tension and joy of not knowing what's going to happen destroyed). WHY do publishers print introductions that do this??

human, concise, well written

After reading East of Eden (J Steinbeck) I'm sad to say that I found 'The pearl' rather disappointing, it lacked the impact that I found with other Steinbeck's titles: It seemed to stretch the storey line a bit too far-I must add that this of course is my personal opinion.