Okay so I'm not actually sure how many stars to give to this book.
The writing style was beautiful, I loved reading it. it was written in that antique fashion which most classics are, but he didn't even spend much time on describing things which made it so much better. I loved the American accents, even though I couldn't actually hear them I could imagine perfectly how they sounded.
So to be honest it was partly the cover of my edition which kind of put me off reading it for a while (seriously, it looks like a dead man's arm (which maybe it is)). Also I already knew the storyline, and had watched the movie (I know I know, terrible)
But as soon as I started it, it was brilliant. I don't know what it was, probably mainly the dialogue which I loved so much. it was great. for that, I would give it 5 stars.
but then, there's the question of what on earth was actually the purpose of the book?
was it a story about human compassion? was it a story about broken hopes and dreams and no happy endings? was it a story about doing the right thing even when it's hard? I have no idea. it was definitely ironic. it was a great story, apart form there wasn't an obvious point. but not just that, its the way it ended. like, there was no ending, pretty much! it's like John Steinbeck had a tight schedule so he reached his due date and was like "oh well, didn't finish it but let's see if people like the story anyway". I want to know what happened to George! (and Candy, but mostly George).
so for that I knock it down to 4 stars.
Also, I'm amazed the whole story took place in 3 days.
I'm not really sure what to do now I've finished it.