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

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

Gripping and relevant

I'd call this a political thriller. Was amazed at how relevant it still is. Steinbeck's command of story and character is excellent, as is the narrator's performance. Highly recommended, even for a first timer to Steinbeck.

Seemed to drag on

Any additional comments?

I'm new to audiobooks and Steinbeck, listened to Of Mice and Men and absolutely loved it. I do like how Steinbeck writes and describes everything. In Dubious Battle comes and goes with me. At times I really like the story then at times I feel like the story just keeps going and going and doesn't get anymore interesting. I have about 3-hrs left but doubt my opinion will vary much upon completion. However, I plan on listening to East of Eden and would like to listen to more Steinbeck. I would just think that there are better Steinbeck's out there. The narration is very good though.

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!

The best. absolutely loved this one.

such a great story, great performance by Tom stechsulte. made it seem like there was more than one person reading the story.

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!

Sad part of our History

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

Into the heart

What an Incredibly realistic Journey into the Heart of a different American dream. This was, by far, the easiest book I've ever listened to, and I am now thoroughly addicted to John Steinbeck. What an insightful author. Rave reviews for the gentleman that read this as well. Bravo!

Best gift for a graduating high school senior.

Written when Steinbeck was an admitted Red, this is an unapologetic view of a leftist labor organizer in the 30's. A perfect prelude to "The Grapes of Wrath." Really searing in its depiction of how itinerant fruit pickers were treated and their reactions to the growers' schemes. May not be totally "fair," but it sure is a great read--and could well change a life or two. Really a life-long favorite. If you don't give this one to you grad, give him/her Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian."

Not half as good as 'Grapes of Wrath'...

I can't tell if it was the narrator or Steinbeck, but this felt like a totally different author, like Ken Follett, or someone who hadn't written something as impressive as 'Grapes'.

It got me thinking, but never pulled at any heart strings, and I didn't really buy the characters.

'Grapes' was effortless, and heart-wrenching; a beautiful character study -still love you for that one Steinbeck