The powerful story of the Joads, forced off their Oklahoma farm and trying desperately to make it to California where, they are told, the work is plentiful and the living is easy, resonates today. Steinbeck makes the hopelessness of the Joads' situation plain; they are at the mercy of forces they can not control, such as the California growers' cooperatives who keep wages horribly low, and the police who see the 'Okies' as only a problem to be driven away. A grim, dark story that's enlivened by extremely vivid characters and human warmth. A first-rate reading, complete with atmospheric harmonica interludes, by Dylan Baker. Can't think of anything better for listening on a road trip west.
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