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The Pearl  By  cover art

The Pearl

By: John Steinbeck
Narrated by: Hector Elizondo
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Editorial reviews

Of John Steinbeck's many classic novels, only one is beloved by ninth graders everywhere. Finally in a definitive audiobook edition, The Pearl as read by Hector Elizondo is a long overdue treat for listeners of all ages. Whether you skipped this required reading in high school or simply don't remember much about it, now is the time to revisit Steinbeck's excellent little vision of an ancient Mexican folk tale about the perils of obsessive greed. A story of great symbolism and unflinching morality, the lessons here are no less true in our contemporary circumstances than they were hundreds of years ago.

Hector Elizondo is a perfect fit for this narration. Winner of an Emmy and an Obie, veteran of both screen and stage, Elizondo is no stranger to the gravitas of parables. Although he has contributed voice work to a dozen audiobook dramas with ensemble casts, this is the first time he has narrated a book completely on his own. What a treat to hear his familiar grizzled voice painting the scene of a tiny, impoverished town in need of a miracle. When a scorpion bites a young family man's infant son, the man becomes desperate for money to pay the doctor that can save the child's life.

Upon finding an enormous pearl deep in the water and just in the nick of time, the family begins to dream of their son's bright future. Elizondo puts his grit and gravel to good use conveying the tenacity with which the family clings to the idea of sending their son to school, thus escaping their meager life of poverty. But the enchanting music of the pearl speaks to the whole town, and soon all are clamoring for a piece of the family's good fortune. Hector Elizondo impeccably renders John Steinbeck's haunting admonition against avarice, and this short novel is a must-have for any audio library. Megan Volpert

Publisher's summary

In this short book illuminated by a deep understanding and love of humanity, John Steinbeck retells an old Mexican folk tale: the story of the great pearl, how it was found, and how it was lost. For the diver Kino, finding a magnificent pearl means the promise of a better life for his impoverished family. His dream blinds him to the greed and suspicions the pearl arouses in him and his neighbors, and even his loving wife cannot temper his obsession or stem the events leading to the tragedy.

For Steinbeck, Kino and his wife illustrate the fall from innocence of people who believe that wealth erases all problems. Originally published in 1947, The Pearl shows why Steinbeck’s style has made him one of the most beloved American writers: it is a simple story of simple people, recounted with the warmth and sincerity and unrivaled craftsmanship Steinbeck brings to his writing. It is tragedy in the great tradition, beautifully conveying not despair but hope for mankind.

©1945, 1973 Elaine Steinbeck, John Steinbeck IV, Thom Steinbeck (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[The Pearl] has the distinction and sincerity that are evident in everything he writes." (The New Yorker)

"Form is the most important thing about him. It is at its best in this work." (Commonweal)

"[Steinbeck has] long trained his prose style for such a task as this: that supple unstrained, muscular power, responsive to the slightest pull of the reins." (Chicago Sunday Times)

What listeners say about The Pearl

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Super Interesting!

It was boring, the voice, but overall amazing! I love John Steinbeck and this was no exception to what I was expecting. it was perfect. his writing was so vivid and so easy to drop right into. although the speaker almost made me fall asleep.

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Quick story and good lesson to be learned

I liked this little novella. It was very sad but had a great lesson about greed and those we hurt on our quest for more material things. Sometimes we must admire the beauty where it is, and not take it for ourselves. Good book.

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Good short read

It was a good short read. It was mostly interesting, though it ends very abruptly and sad. I also am just a bit thrown off at the ending. It makes sense though because the typical storybook ending is good and all cupcakes and rainbows but for this story it was really different and I appreciate that. Definitely read if you like short reads with unusual endings!

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John Steinbeck at his best

Terrific! Amazing writing. So moving.
An inspiration to all, and a very sad story of humanity… Dreams, opportunity, grief

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I have listened to this before…

I was looking for Charlton Heston’s reading of this book written by a great author. When I could not find Heston’s reading, I choose Hector Elizondo’s narration. To say I was not disappointed, would be an absolute understatement. His performance was absolutely tremendous.

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Awesome Narration

Although I've read this many times, it was made fresh again with excellent narration. Thank you for bringing this to Audible.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly read in the storytelling tradition.

Loved it. Read iand listened to it. The song of the storyteller is strong throughout the written and spoken word. Hector Elizando and John Steinbeck walked with us through The Pearl.

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A Story With A Lesson As Valuable As Life

This story was remarkably good and the story's lesson was valuable as life and death

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very moving story

Character development is wonderful. It is a very moving story with a very important message. It is a short story that will be read straight through. If you are a Steinbeck lover, this is a must read.

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A Certified Hood Classic

This is simply one of the single best written books I've ever read. The concept alone is engrossing enough to see everything through since it's so short, but the little flourishes add volumes to every single tiny, minute detail, but it doesn't drag anything out. It just enriched the whole experience.

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