As Good as They Get

There was a time in my life when I read at least two books every year. These were Conrad's, "Heart of Darkness" and this one. Both are short by modern standards (recent Booker award notwithstanding), but each gives as complete a picture as one might hope for through the medium of words. I say this to disclose my bias. Yet, it has been ten years since I last read this classic. It has always been inspiring for me, particularly the account of the the demise of the old dog and the final juxtaposition of the two friends' farewell. He does juxtaposed story lines so well. But what I love most about Steinbeck is that he does not waste a word. Each one seems especially chosen, and it's hard to think of a better one to replace it. Truly intelligent design.

The reader will probably know the story and perhaps even the ending. I won't precise it. But even knowing one or both won't spoil the climax in my view.

The performance was first class too. If I could have given 4.5 stars, I would've. The only reason I haven't given 5 stars is because of the relativity against which I rate Ian Richardson and Linden Gregory. Peters is really very good indeed. His transition from male to female, black, to white, Lenny to George is almost faultless. I would not let the lost half star deter you from this excellent interpretation of a loved favourite.

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Powerful

I can't recommend this book highly enough, it was spellbinding from the first minute and built from there to a shattering conclusion. John Steinbeck's timeless classic asks, when is it kind to kill a man? The way he paints the central relationship between Lennie and George, with such spare but sure strokes, makes the climax entirely believable. This novella reads like a playing script and was apparently written with that option in mind... it would be a treat to see on stage. Clarke Peters' performance is the next best thing - he keeps the melodrama out of it and lets the words speak powerfully for themselves. If I had one quibble it would be that Lennie occasionally sounds a little too much like Fred Flintstone / Homer Simpson, but the other characters ring with authenticity... in particular the old hand Candy is heart-rending. As a portrait of how rootless, uneducated men interact at close quarters under pressure it will stand for all time among the greats.

A must-read classic.

It's hard to say what exactly makes this book such a good read, but I believe it must be the combination of a compelling and straightforward story, and an efficient and original use of language, characterized and settings. In brief: a good story just as good stories should be!

Clarke Peters delivers a terrific performance. It's simply superb the way he gives life to the various characters in the story.

Magnificent

As much I appreciated this piece of fiction, I have to confess that I’m thankful it was only a short time spent in the heartrending world of George and Lennie.

In some ways this is an easy listen --- the pacing is brisk, the characters are well-defined, the narrative is engaging and the performance from Clarke Peters is a delight.

But in some other very important ways, “Of Mice and Men” is a real challenge. The characters attitudes toward race and gender may be historically accurate but are – nonetheless – pretty hard to take. And the sense of impending calamity imbued in the writing may be masterful, but left me spent. By the time we reached the final scenes, my heart was truly broken.

I really did respect this novella and thoroughly recommend it, but can’t say I “enjoyed” it.

A classic revisited

Would you listen to Of Mice and Men again? Why?

This is a grim portrayal of a short period in the life of two men who have nothing but each other. It is classic Steinbech at his best, depicting depressing themes that lead us to the final punch in guts ending. I will listen to it again for sure.

What did you like best about this story?

I Love the way Steinbech unfolds the story through carefully crafted dialogue, exposing the downtrodden characters and the hopelessness of their situation.

Which character – as performed by Clarke Peters – was your favorite?

Of course the central character Lenny has to be my favourite. He is the true victim of the story, despite him being considered the perpetrator of the crime by most of the other characters.

Any additional comments?

Steinbech is a master at painting depressing scenes and equally depressing characters,but still luring us to want more for them, to crave the good outcome for them. Of course it never comes, and the powerful and confronting finale leaves you feeling shocked at the rawness of these people and at your own naiveity. Masterful writing.

Great Performance!

The story is quite moving, and the performance of this audio book is exceptional, it reflects so much the characters.

Must Read

What made the experience of listening to Of Mice and Men the most enjoyable?

There is a reason this story has been around for so long. The narration was wonderful and completely drew us into the story. We were right there with George and Lenny.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Of Mice and Men?

The rabbits. :)

Which character – as performed by Clarke Peters – was your favorite?

Loved Lenny. The voicing was spot on,

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

a film you will never forget

Any additional comments?

This is one of those 'must read before you die books'. It is a classic and a great tale. one i'll never forget.