Tortilla Flat (John Steinbeck)

Just above Monterey, California, lies Tortilla Flat. Shortly after World War I, Danny inherits two houses there, where he and his friends wile away the hours in drink, idle chatter, and women. Almost none of them work, but find ways to barter, scavenge, swindle, or scheme—even from each other—to meet their needs. But in the end, will it last, and does it satisfy?

I was attracted to this work because Steinbeck loosely bases its structure on the Arthurian tales. But ever so loosely . . . here, flashes of gallantry and charity exist, but are oft subsumed by the gang's overriding self-absorption. Danny is the anti-Arthur, in a way, leading a band of ragtag ne'er-do-wells in endless self-indulgence and debauchery. The tale meandered but was humorous (it was satirical in places). I think the point was showing the pointlessness of such living . . . or maybe it was a lens into Depression-era society in Steinbeck's area of origin. I enjoyed it well enough, but not as much as I hoped.

Rating: B