Tortilla Flat

John Steinbeck

After Danny came home from the war, he returned to his independent life in Monterey, California. Working for a living was not part of his vocabulary. Instead he did as little as possible to support himself, his wine, and his friends. His grandfather then died and left him two houses. Danny is now a man of property.

Soon Danny has friends living with him. His only rule is they are not allowed to sleep in his bed. These men, these paisanos, share food, wine, stories, and good times. Sometimes they are stealing chickens from their neighbors at Tortilla Flat; other times they are helping those same neighbors when in trouble. They are likeable fellows whose only committment is to each other - even that is tenuous.

This is their story during the Depression. It is a story of loyalty, friendship, and companionship. Not all the residents appreciate the paisanos, yet all cannot help but like them. They have their own code, and if one breaks it, their wrath is fearsome. Their forgiveness is then complete after the wrath.

This story rambles in a good way. It is not a long novel, and the rambling is the mood rather than the writing. It's a comfortable book, full of joy despite the climate of the times. The Depression is always in the background of the novel, yet does not descend on and overwhelm the story or these men.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck