ikenestudio

You know how some books remind of a certain place or time in your life but generally do so with a little bit of a rose shaded tint? Well Cannary Row reminds me of a time that never really existed in my life but should have cause it would have been freakin great. I can smell Northern California's coast when the title of this book crosses my mind. I can see dark cold water and washed out, cooly inviting beach. I can taste damp cigarette's and beer from quart jugs, beach fires and the mix of diesel in still harbored waters. It makes me remember why I left the East Coast and why I would never really consider returning. The Steinbeck of Cannery Row, of Winter of our Discontent, of Sweet Thursday and Tortilla Flats this is the Steinbeck that I associate with home. Also, a quick aside to anyone who gets this far into my Cannery Row rambling. These short stories as as much Steinbeck as Grapes and East of Eden, maybe more. These were the books he seemed to love to read and write. This was pre-color TV escapism. You can read into them, and analyze them, as much as you want. Or you can pour a big glass of cheap beer, take your shoes off and enjoy. I recommend the later, cheap beer optional.

2023-06-05 05:04