The Pastures of Heaven

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

In Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s beautifully rendered depictions of small yet fateful moments that transform ordinary lives, these twelve early stories introduce both the subject and style of artistic expression that recur in the most important works of his career. Each of these self-contained stories is linked to the others by the presence of the Munroes, a family whose misguided behavior and lack of sensitivity precipitate disasters and tragedies. As the individual dramas unfold, Steinbeck reveals the self-deceptions, intellectual limitations, and emotional vulnerabilities that shape the characters’ reactions and gradually erode the harmony and dreams that once formed the foundation of the community.

Critic reviews

By the Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

John Steinbeck knew and understood America and Americans better than any other writer of the twentieth century. (The Dallas Morning News) A man whose work was equal to the vast social themes that drove him. (Don DeLillo)"

If you like Steinbeck...

A great collection of inter-related short stories...if you like Steinbeck, you will love this book. I read the print version many years ago, and I enjoyed the audio version greatly. Steinbeck loved people, and he presents here some touching, engaging stories of common folks. This book is similar to his The Long Valley.

Loved it!

While some of the language is dated, the core themes and concepts are still relevant today. I appreciate that each character, no matter how big or small, comes alive with conflicting convictions and circumstances. Steinbeck is so clever at holding opposing ideas in creative tension.

A Pleasure!

What a find! Could not put it down. Recommend to anyone who is a Steinbeck fan. Or anyone...

Such depth into human existence

Many times I have burst out laughing at the incredible lines and descriptions of people. For example, the line…” he did not see people as individuals, but as antidotes for the poison of his loneliness” is so incredible! In my entire life. I could never summon such a line. Yet, there are dozens like it. I am very unread, but I don’t suspect I’ll ever encounter an author, quite like Steinbeck.

Enjoyed The Book!

I enjoyed this Steinbeck book, looking forward to the next Steinbeck books. Great Story! Next!