It's enough to make one swear off reading novels -- especially if one is naïve enough to think that novels are representations of real life incidents. If readers want non-fiction, they should read non-fiction. If they want something else . . . well . . .
Given all Steinbeck's faults, it is perverse to blame him for those he does not have. Route 66 was a modern highway, but the Joads were not driving a 2014 Suburban; the American west is a long way across. Perhaps the fellow at Taki's thought that the interwoven chapters about the migration were all about the Joads?
It's enough to make one swear off reading novels -- especially if one is naïve enough to think that novels are representations of real life incidents. If readers want non-fiction, they should read non-fiction. If they want something else . . . well . . .
ReplyDeleteI agree. Reminds me of Dudley Doright pointing out that "this is a movie."
ReplyDeleteGiven all Steinbeck's faults, it is perverse to blame him for those he does not have. Route 66 was a modern highway, but the Joads were not driving a 2014 Suburban; the American west is a long way across. Perhaps the fellow at Taki's thought that the interwoven chapters about the migration were all about the Joads?
ReplyDelete