A. L. Lundy

I was really looking forward to this book after reading Steinbeck’s Cannery Row but was strangely disappointed. The author seems to have done a thorough job researching the book and I loved the pictures but it’s mainly just a recitation of facts most of which weren’t that interesting. Reading it, however, did give me renewed appreciation for Steinbeck’s ability to bring these people, places and events to life. This non-fiction book made them seem lifeless in comparison.

Probably the most interesting things I learned were that there really were people living in boilers in the vacant lot on Cannery Row, there was a real flagpole skater on top of Holman’s Department Store, and Ed Ricketts (Doc) really did read the poem “Black Marigolds” to guests.

It’s not a bad companion read to Cannery Row but I’d recommend getting it out of the library.… (altro)