In Dubious Battle

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

This 1936 novel—set in the California apple country—portrays a strike by migrant workers that metamorphoses from principled defiance into blind fanaticism.

©1936 John Steinbeck (P)2011 Penguin

A snapshot of the tragic struggle for justice by the working class

Top tier performance by the reader and another well written Steinbeck story. Good characters, though female characters always lack the depth male characters get.
This is a potent snapshot of the struggle between those who possess wealth and property versus those who work to feed themselves. It’s harsh and sometimes hopeless as we see time and time again how police are always faster to protect property than people’s rights. And also how the scales are always propped in the favor the greedy against the poor.
The summary set forth by audible - that this is a story of defiance turned to “blind fanaticism” - is simply wrong. While there is some obvious darkness in the desperation of the working class to summarize what these characters fight for as blind is just crap. There is a purpose and it is a just one. And this book works to remind us all that it isn’t the strikers, the protestors, or the activists that ‘start all the trouble,’ but instead it is those that seek to profit off the exploitation of the vulnerable.

Great story

I’m currently on a binge of John Steinbeck novels and this one was great. I thought the characters all worked really well together (especially Mac and Jim) and the narrator did a good job of making each one feel distinct. The themes are interesting and it’s a great peak into the mindset of what it was like to run strikes back in the early 1900s.

Sad part of our History

This is a historical snapshot of the difficult times in our labor struggles that has not yet been resolved.

Second time listening

The first time I read this book was for college and didn’t read it too deeply. Reading it for a second time, I really appreciated how deep the characters were. I love Steinbeck and have read a dozen of his books, but he could not write women. His men would have so much depth while his women were flat. Lisa in this book might be his absolute worst.

The best story - ever ! Awesome narrator !!!!!!!!!

Would you listen to In Dubious Battle again? Why?

Yes, great story of the ever present struggle of Little Man and Big Man and how Group Man must be smarter than Small Men are dumb.

What did you like best about this story?

The narrator is fantastic - changes sound to capture all the characters (voices, personalities, etc). Steinbeck is the Yoda of exposing and exploring the nature of men. He brings in thru the back door and into the living room without telling you which house you are in

Which character – as performed by Tom Stechschulte – was your favorite?

London

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Didn't want to "put it down", but it is pretty heady stuff, so you might need a break in the middle.

Any additional comments?

This is better than reading it and better than a movie

selfless attempts to get decent wages for working.

If you could sum up In Dubious Battle in three words, what would they be?

fighting the good fight

What was one of the most memorable moments of In Dubious Battle?

memorable is not the word. but i found these men had high values and they were selfless. they were fighting for every wage earner that was not being paid fairly for their work.

What about Tom Stechschulte’s performance did you like?

wonderful. and the reader brings a lot to the book. five star reader!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

swimming upstream

Any additional comments?

this was not one of my favorite steinbeck books, but still i rated the story a 4. i think steinbeck could write a good book in his sleep. he just can't go wrong. he had so much talent!

Usual Steinbeck

As usual with this Author, you find yourself immediately absorbed and completely enthralled with the characters. This guy may have a future! 🤔

amazing<br />

loved it! it was another awesome story from John steinbeck. from an Era that he does so well! highly recommend if you love john steinbeck do not miss this book!

good read

even though it was a school assignment it was very entertaining and a very good read.

Love Steinbeck

Every book I listen from him I'm taught life lessons and tragedies that only Jon Steinbeck can capture