Tortilla Flat

De: John Steinbeck

Narrado por: John McDonough

Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, Steinbeck created a Camelot on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur’s castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging—men who fiercely resist the corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude.

As Steinbeck chronicles their deeds—their multiple lovers, their wonderful brawls, their Rabelaisian wine-drinking—he spins a tale as compelling and ultimately as touched by sorrow as the famous legends of the Round Table, which inspired him.

Public Domain (P)2011 Penguin

gifted writer

Steinbeck wrote a classic here every sentence descriptive and moving on. one of my favorite stories by Steinbeck

Quintessential Steinbeck

I never, ever tire of Steinbeck. And this is one of my favorites. now, on to Cannery Row.

Not One of My Favorite Steinbeck's, But...

It's still Steinbeck and I crave his words, I missed so much by not reading Steinbeck until my late thirties. All of his stories have resonated with me in some capacity and this one is no different. Having lived on the Monterey Penninsula a few different times over the past twenty years, I like to think of it as my second home. Hearing the exploits of Danny and his posse as they travel the county post WWI reminded me of my time as a Soldier at the Presidio (albeit before GWOT) and keeping an eye on my drinking buddies on Alvarado Street.

The crew circuitously navigate back and forth across the ethical/moral line of friendship, predicated on the amount of alcohol they've consumed, since they last consumed, or when their consciences overpower that social inhibitor. Steinbeck never fails to teach through the follies and triumphs of his characters and those in Tortilla Flat have many. I was so proud of the boys' decision with the Pirate, yet so disappointed in their virtue compromising when it came to the drink.

I usually listen at 3x speed and had zero issues with this narration by John McDonough. I've listened to several books of his in the past and he's fabulous. I left only four stars for the book, because - although it's Steinbeck - it doesn't compare to his other works. I liked it better than Cannery Row, but far less than, Of Mice And Men, and nowhere near, The Grapes of Wrath.

Steinbeck classic

This is a classic Steinbeck book and I can see why. It is a good story and again demonstrates Steinbecks love/admiration for the underdog. The reason why I don’t have it at 4 stars is because I thought some of the storytelling could have been better. But I will say that I do still recommend this for any fan of Steinbeck or someone just looking for a good story.

Classic!

Steinbeck has always been a favorite author. The narration was fantastic! The reading brought the characters to life. Loved it!

5/5

I loved this book. A mixture of stories intertwined and somehow Steinbeck unties the knot of fishing lures and lines and makes them each shine all on their own.

another great book by steinbeck!

Would you listen to Tortilla Flat again? Why?

yes! yes! i love the characters. reminds me very much of cannery row

What did you like best about this story?

the humor.the characters were great. i could picture these people interacting.

What about John McDonough’s performance did you like?

really wonderful! he did a great job getting into the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the way everything always boiled down to a gallon of wine. but the characters were genuine and never portrayed as unpleasantly drunk.

Any additional comments?

i wish steinbeck could write more books i eat them up and i will read all of them over and over except travels with charley (and my sig. other mike loved that one).

steinbeck is our fave!

Funny Story-John McDonoughs narration is perfect

A humorous band of slothful vagabonds err from one sticky situation to the next after moving in with their friend and leader who has inherited the dreaded responsibility of homeownership.

Stienbecks whit is unrelenting and McDonough masterfully captures it in his narration. Couldn't imagine a better man for the role.

Love the story

Love this story, the ending was wild and poetic. And I love John Steinbeck’s writing style, fantastic author with a very witty why if writing.

Plus John McDonough was the narrator of my childhood so anything he reads is *chefs kiss*

Story for the sake of being a story!

Wow! Great, Wonderfull, Horrible ending. I want to be one of Danny's friends, but then maybe I don't.