Absolutely marvelous. He was wonderfully intelligent for writing it and you were stupendously incite fun. Thank you so much. I could feel my heart race while you read. I also realized I could live a thousand years and not be able to interpret that. Thanks again.
I came across this video per chance… and I rarely comment on UA-cam but I really have to in this case: I LOVED this explanation and interpretation of yours. „Cannery Row“ has been one of my favorites since I was a kid and couldn’t quite grasp what the story meant then but still felt so immediately bonded with the story that I had to keep revisiting it in different stages of life. The meaning changed for me each time I read it. I absolutely appreciate and love everything you have said about each character. My cat is named Mack after „Mack and the boys“. I’m not sure how to acknowledge the effort you have put into this video, but I just wanted to say I very much enjoyed listening to it. I will definitely revisit!
This was a great in depth review!! I have not tackled this one. I need to give this one a try. I've read a few of his short novels that I have enjoyed! His writing is very straightforward which works well in conveying his messages which I think are still relevant today!
Thank you for this excellent analysis of the book. I just finished the book, and I greatly enjoyed it. I now have a new way of thinking about the theme of the book.
That was an excellent review. This deceptively simple story must have been a game changer back then. I'm reading Sweet Thursday at the moment and will definitely keep an eye out for any similarities.
Glad you enjoyed it Kathleen! It certainly touched something deep within the American soul as the reaction was vitriolic. He was hounded for speaking against the American ideal of work and prosperity. It is sad that many do not ponder the deeper insinuations of things. Steinbeck wasn't advocating Communism or anarchy, he just saw the sense that the pursuit of wealth and pleasure never leads to happiness. Not much has changed really. Please let me know your thoughts on Sweet Thursday, Kathleen😀
You have singlehandedly made me both very very excited to read this book (more than I ever would have on my own) and actually made me want to read it at all!
Really enjoyed this explanation and angle of viewing the book, I loved reading about the simple and straightforward way of life the people of Cannery Row had, that the upper classes were hardly even mentioned in the entirety of the book! I've read Sweet Thursday, and it definitely had similar reflections on Taoism, but more focus on romance, carrying on from Doc at the end of CR. Would love to see what you think and could get out of the sequel, have you a review of it?
A profound book in my opinion. Lots of wisdom, here's some Yin and Yang from chapter xxiii, Doc said. “They could ruin their lives and get money" “Who wants to be good if he has to be hungry too?” said Richard Frost.
Tristan, Thanks so much for your inciteful take on Cannery Row which I just reread after many years. I remember enjoying that first read, but I also thought it was a romanticized view of alcoholism, prostitution, homelessness, etc. However, I must agree with your assessment that the book is indeed a metaphor for the philosophy of the Tao. P.S. I find Doc to be one of the more complex and intriguing characters I’ve come across in my long, reading career.
Thank you Mary I'm pleased you enjoyed the video😀 Doc is a great character and there are aspects of the novel which still intrigue me. I'm looking forward to reading Esdt of Eden soon.
Great review Tristan I didn't know of all the Taoism reference, that definitely shed some light on things. I felt like the gopher was basically Doc (Ed Rickets). Could the gopher be Steinbeck himself 🤔? Great writing. Great book. Great Author. Thanks for the insights.
The beauty of the gopher chapter is it allows the reader to discover meaning for themselves. I've come across the Ed Ricketts and Steinbeck idea. For me though the answer lies rooted in whatever idea Steinbeck was exploring through the story. The gopher chapter is a fable/parable drawn from the ideas that come from Taoism, for me. Not that Steinbeck is specifically exploring Taoism itself (I don't think that is the case at all) but rather the underlying philosophy of moving naturally through life, not artificially. Gophers build by nature. This gopher failed because he was building artificially and not from instinct. You are right about this Steinbeck guy,though. He is great.😀
I agree with you on the Gopher. I just initially thought of Steinbeck and or Doc due to them being unlucky in love. Again thanks for the insight on the Taoism. And yes Steinbeck is great....if East of Eden isn't in your next book haul... Unsubscribe 😬 Just kidding...I think...
“The art of sailing not rowing” Allan watts said that. Can you do sweet Thursday I wonder how it differs from cannery row , what you said about Steinbeck marriage I thought was interesting. At the end of sweet Thursday doc end up with Suzy what are your thoughts on that.
Your theory of Taoism seems plausible. I would never have gotten there on my own. It's odd, though, how a book can leave such an impression on one without truly understanding it. Cannery Row is one of my favorite novels.
I enjoyed your review it was la Jolla where he found the girl . I thought one of the most beautiful written parts were the army guys with the girls at the marine station. One of vinnietets was the man who killed himself because he couldn't please his wife then gets a job after he's dead fits into the Taoism theory. Great prospective I enjoyed.
OMG are you kidding? You nailed it sooooo well. Yes, I seem to have gotten it near the first when he alluded to the gang being 'virtuous' . I didn't know about Taoism--but yes absolutely. I loved your analysis--spot on. I do however want to add one thing that you did not mention: humour. You have to admit--the story was funny, many times--the entire episode of the frogs--come on--that was funny. how did you manage to speak for 30 minutes about this book and not say frog once? You did that purposely, and I'm not sure why. Also you were about to say something about Gay and his wife--but then cut it out--whats up with that? And also its obvious to me why people in 1945 would think this book was anti-capitalist --it was and you explained it well --so say it; perhaps its not pro-socialist but Taoism is definitely ant-capitalist; anti American. Loved your review. I am a big Steinbeck fan--this was was first read of Cannery Row and I will read it again. Is Steinbeck really that smart? I wonder.
You are right about the frogs. I absolutely loved that scene. And now that you've mentioned it, I can't believe I didn't say 'Frogs' either. There is much that one has to leave out when discussing a book. I had to focus on the overriding theme that I was discussing. For instance, one of the things I would liked to have talked about was the girl in the sea that Doc comes across. A really peculiar interruption in the narrative, as was the beer ice cream. But I had to keep the focus singular. Steinbeck is a master.
Great review! You convinced me to give this author another chance. I read Of mice and men but I didn't like it. I don't like how he Portrait women like they are poor evil, at least that is my impression 😂 Thanks for sharing ☺️
But Doc is not always alone. He often has women over and no one seems to know what they are doing inside. I think they even comment the curtains are closed.
Respectfully, I do not agree and will say wht in a forthcoming essay. I appreciate the opinion(s) however. The Cannery Row books dramatically moved my opinion on the books from pleasant reading to another perspective.
The only review that’s longer than the book itself! To sum it up: Cannery Row seems to be about a bunch of primarily jobless California, San Francisco bums who only work at finding a way to party and have fun with the least amount of effort and at somebody else’s expense. In other words, it’s a nonfiction.
At first you can read it that way--but then...why? what's the point? Just write about a bunch of oddballs living at the edge of existence at the shoreline? Nope, there's more. Take the time to get into Steinbeck's head. Yes he is telling you what exists there, but what exists is profound--thats the point. Maybe you are very young. When I first read Steinbeck in High School I didn't see the whole picture--I wondered "what's the point?" Now at 70 I can see so much. Take a universal understanding and weave it into the lives of ordinary people--its not easy--but Steinbeck is a master. reads like non fiction but plays like a fictitious moment in time illuminating universal understandings.
Some people don't want a meaning--they just want a story--and thats fine too. Its a funny story--the frogs alone are a funny story--Steinbeck would love it if you laughed at that part.
WOW, Tristan, do I feel like an ignorant knucklehead. I thought I had read Cannery Row, but, after listening to you, apparently I did not. I perceived none of this. I did think that the boys, in all their misery, were happy, but the Dao (Tao ) thing completely escaped me. I'll have to stop what I'm reading now and reread Cannery Row. Such a waste for me to be reading with such stupidity.
Absolutely marvelous. He was wonderfully intelligent for writing it and you were stupendously incite fun. Thank you so much. I could feel my heart race while you read. I also realized I could live a thousand years and not be able to interpret that. Thanks again.
I came across this video per chance… and I rarely comment on UA-cam but I really have to in this case: I LOVED this explanation and interpretation of yours. „Cannery Row“ has been one of my favorites since I was a kid and couldn’t quite grasp what the story meant then but still felt so immediately bonded with the story that I had to keep revisiting it in different stages of life. The meaning changed for me each time I read it. I absolutely appreciate and love everything you have said about each character. My cat is named Mack after „Mack and the boys“. I’m not sure how to acknowledge the effort you have put into this video, but I just wanted to say I very much enjoyed listening to it. I will definitely revisit!
This was a great in depth review!! I have not tackled this one. I need to give this one a try. I've read a few of his short novels that I have enjoyed! His writing is very straightforward which works well in conveying his messages which I think are still relevant today!
You're right. His style is very smooth and uncluttered, though not as ruggedly brisk as Hemmingway. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. 👌
Thank you for this excellent analysis of the book. I just finished the book, and I greatly enjoyed it. I now have a new way of thinking about the theme of the book.
Glad it was helpful!
That was an excellent review. This deceptively simple story must have been a game changer back then. I'm reading Sweet Thursday at the moment and will definitely keep an eye out for any similarities.
Glad you enjoyed it Kathleen! It certainly touched something deep within the American soul as the reaction was vitriolic. He was hounded for speaking against the American ideal of work and prosperity. It is sad that many do not ponder the deeper insinuations of things. Steinbeck wasn't advocating Communism or anarchy, he just saw the sense that the pursuit of wealth and pleasure never leads to happiness.
Not much has changed really. Please let me know your thoughts on Sweet Thursday, Kathleen😀
Great video! Always happy to hear other people's insights and experiences of the classics.
Loved the review. I am going to read the book. Very grateful❤
You have singlehandedly made me both very very excited to read this book (more than I ever would have on my own) and actually made me want to read it at all!
Really enjoyed this explanation and angle of viewing the book, I loved reading about the simple and straightforward way of life the people of Cannery Row had, that the upper classes were hardly even mentioned in the entirety of the book! I've read Sweet Thursday, and it definitely had similar reflections on Taoism, but more focus on romance, carrying on from Doc at the end of CR. Would love to see what you think and could get out of the sequel, have you a review of it?
Thank you, I love the insight you have provided and it all makes sense.
Thank you Anne, pleased it made sense to you. I really appreciate your kindness in commenting. 😃👍
A profound book in my opinion. Lots of wisdom, here's some Yin and Yang from chapter xxiii, Doc said. “They could ruin their
lives and get money"
“Who wants to be good if he has to be hungry too?” said
Richard Frost.
Nice!!! Love this.
What a brilliant summary...diagnosis of this book. I understand it much better. Thank You.
Thank Effu, I'm so pleased that you found it useful.😀
Tristan, Thanks so much for your inciteful take on Cannery Row which I just reread after many years. I remember enjoying that first read, but I also thought it was a romanticized view of alcoholism, prostitution, homelessness, etc. However, I must agree with your assessment that the book is indeed a metaphor for the philosophy of the Tao. P.S. I find Doc to be one of the more complex and intriguing characters I’ve come across in my long, reading career.
Thank you Mary I'm pleased you enjoyed the video😀 Doc is a great character and there are aspects of the novel which still intrigue me. I'm looking forward to reading Esdt of Eden soon.
Thank you so much for this great review. I almost gave up after reading the first three chapters; now I am going to give it another try.
Thank you! Great review ❤
Great review!
Thank you very much.
Great review Tristan I didn't know of all the Taoism reference, that definitely shed some light on things. I felt like the gopher was basically Doc (Ed Rickets). Could the gopher be Steinbeck himself 🤔? Great writing. Great book. Great Author. Thanks for the insights.
The beauty of the gopher chapter is it allows the reader to discover meaning for themselves. I've come across the Ed Ricketts and Steinbeck idea. For me though the answer lies rooted in whatever idea Steinbeck was exploring through the story. The gopher chapter is a fable/parable drawn from the ideas that come from Taoism, for me. Not that Steinbeck is specifically exploring Taoism itself (I don't think that is the case at all) but rather the underlying philosophy of moving naturally through life, not artificially. Gophers build by nature. This gopher failed because he was building artificially and not from instinct.
You are right about this Steinbeck guy,though. He is great.😀
I agree with you on the Gopher. I just initially thought of Steinbeck and or Doc due to them being unlucky in love. Again thanks for the insight on the Taoism. And yes Steinbeck is great....if East of Eden isn't in your next book haul... Unsubscribe 😬 Just kidding...I think...
“The art of sailing not rowing” Allan watts said that. Can you do sweet Thursday I wonder how it differs from cannery row , what you said about Steinbeck marriage I thought was interesting. At the end of sweet Thursday doc end up with Suzy what are your thoughts on that.
Incredible!
Thank you Ātman. That is really kind of you.
Thanks for the video sir.
Your theory of Taoism seems plausible. I would never have gotten there on my own. It's odd, though, how a book can leave such an impression on one without truly understanding it. Cannery Row is one of my favorite novels.
I enjoyed your review it was la Jolla where he found the girl . I thought one of the most beautiful written parts were the army guys with the girls at the marine station. One of vinnietets was the man who killed himself because he couldn't please his wife then gets a job after he's dead fits into the Taoism theory. Great prospective I enjoyed.
Thank You, you seem very smart and well read~
Oh thank you! I'm not particularly smart, it's the books that contain all the magic.😀
BookChoob 🎉
OMG are you kidding? You nailed it sooooo well. Yes, I seem to have gotten it near the first when he alluded to the gang being 'virtuous' . I didn't know about Taoism--but yes absolutely. I loved your analysis--spot on. I do however want to add one thing that you did not mention: humour. You have to admit--the story was funny, many times--the entire episode of the frogs--come on--that was funny. how did you manage to speak for 30 minutes about this book and not say frog once? You did that purposely, and I'm not sure why. Also you were about to say something about Gay and his wife--but then cut it out--whats up with that? And also its obvious to me why people in 1945 would think this book was anti-capitalist --it was and you explained it well --so say it; perhaps its not pro-socialist but Taoism is definitely ant-capitalist; anti American. Loved your review. I am a big Steinbeck fan--this was was first read of Cannery Row and I will read it again. Is Steinbeck really that smart? I wonder.
You are right about the frogs. I absolutely loved that scene. And now that you've mentioned it, I can't believe I didn't say 'Frogs' either.
There is much that one has to leave out when discussing a book. I had to focus on the overriding theme that I was discussing. For instance, one of the things I would liked to have talked about was the girl in the sea that Doc comes across. A really peculiar interruption in the narrative, as was the beer ice cream. But I had to keep the focus singular.
Steinbeck is a master.
Who likes to ask questions is Hazel, not Frankie. :)
Thank you for the correction.
Great review! You convinced me to give this author another chance. I read Of mice and men but I didn't like it. I don't like how he Portrait women like they are poor evil, at least that is my impression 😂
Thanks for sharing ☺️
Yes, you are right, the women don't come off very well in Mice and Men. However Dora and her girls are great on cannery row. 😃
oh no, you must finish Mice and Men.absolutely.
But Doc is not always alone. He often has women over and no one seems to know what they are doing inside. I think they even comment the curtains are closed.
Respectfully, I do not agree and will say wht in a forthcoming essay. I appreciate the opinion(s) however. The Cannery Row books dramatically moved my opinion on the books from pleasant reading to another perspective.
Fantastic! I love to hear other points of view and ideas.😀
The only review that’s longer than the book itself!
To sum it up: Cannery Row seems to be about a bunch of primarily jobless California, San Francisco bums who only work at finding a way to party and have fun with the least amount of effort and at somebody else’s expense.
In other words, it’s a nonfiction.
At first you can read it that way--but then...why? what's the point? Just write about a bunch of oddballs living at the edge of existence at the shoreline? Nope, there's more. Take the time to get into Steinbeck's head. Yes he is telling you what exists there, but what exists is profound--thats the point. Maybe you are very young. When I first read Steinbeck in High School I didn't see the whole picture--I wondered "what's the point?" Now at 70 I can see so much. Take a universal understanding and weave it into the lives of ordinary people--its not easy--but Steinbeck is a master. reads like non fiction but plays like a fictitious moment in time illuminating universal understandings.
Some people don't want a meaning--they just want a story--and thats fine too. Its a funny story--the frogs alone are a funny story--Steinbeck would love it if you laughed at that part.
WOW, Tristan, do I feel like an ignorant knucklehead. I thought I had read Cannery Row, but, after listening to you, apparently I did not. I perceived none of this. I did think that the boys, in all their misery, were happy, but the Dao (Tao ) thing completely escaped me. I'll have to stop what I'm reading now and reread Cannery Row. Such a waste for me to be reading with such stupidity.
Spoil away, help me to remember.
I hope it brings yiu some nostalgia😃
I am Chinese 😂
😅❤
What a fantastic way to ruin a great book. Yakking on about eastern religion.