60 pages • 2 hours read
John SteinbeckCannery Row
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1945A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck follows an eclectic group of characters in Monterey during the Great Depression, centered around Doc, a marine biologist; Mack and his friends; and Lee Chong, a grocery store owner. They navigate life's challenges by relying on their community, orchestrating events like collecting frogs and throwing parties for Doc. Note: The novel contains depictions of death by suicide, infanticide, and alcohol abuse, as well as outdated, offensive terms.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Steinbeck's Cannery Row captures the spirit of a tight-knit community during the Great Depression with vivid characters and lyrical prose. Critics praise its rich atmosphere and strong sense of place but note the lack of a conventional plot may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it’s lauded for its warmth, humor, and insightful exploration of humanity.
Who Should Read Cannery Row?
Readers who cherish community tales, vivid character portrayals, and lyrical prose will find joy in John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Fans of Steinbeck's nuanced social commentary may also appreciate Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Both authors offer profound insights into human nature akin to Steinbeck’s works.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
930LBook Details
American Literature
Historical Fiction
Classic Fiction
History: World
Arts / Culture
Anthropology
Society: Community
Natural World: Place
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil