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Product Review Summary: Funny Steinbeck Pippin is a lark of a novel. It has the combination af subtle wordplay and broad humor of the best of Monty Python. What it lacks is the dark intensity of some of Steinbeck's greatest work. I say this not as a critism, but more so that you can know what to expect. The descriptions of the myriad political parties fighting around the coronation of Pippin are particularly funny and Kafkaesque (albeit a hell of a lot funnier). Definitely recommended if you are in the mood for something light and pleasant.
Product Review Summary: Clever John Steinbeck again proves to be one of the great writers of the 20th century with the political satire "The Short Reign of Pippin IV". The synopsis on the back cover of the book accurately describes it as a "dazzling, effervescent satire on practically everything."
When the political factions of France can not decide in which direction the country's leadership should go, they decide the only way to unite the country is unite them behind the mutual dislike of a king. Enter the illegitimate son of the former king and amateur astronomer, Pippin. The factions of the government make a reluctant king of Pippin. As the title suggests, Pippin's reign is short. When he realizes the factions of the government have crowned him to be a patsy, he tries to fix the system of government. Of course, this leads to Pippin's depose. While keenly aware of the consequences of speaking his mind, Pippin did it anyway.
This satire reveals a side of Steinbeck not seen in his other works. While Steinbeck is critical of government, he never blantantly mocks a system. Many of the surprises of this book are best discovered by the reader. Satire is best discovered by yourself.
Product Review Summary: Probably his most disappointing work I have all but two of the books that Steinbeck published. The Short Reign of Pippin IV is by far my least favorite. There is, in my opinion, a decided stylistic shift in Steinbeck's writing following the war, and his books became increasingly bourgeois. This book is the pinnacle of this shift. I had a very difficult time reading this book, and actually had to put it aside at one point out of disappointment and frustration.
Product Review Summary: What a surprise Someone once said "I cannot read more than ten pages of Steinbeck without throwing up." It is a feeling that I share wholeheartedly. I've found the novels of his that I've read to be bleak, depressing, and punctuated with lovingly rendered depictions of disease and gore. However, this book (as well as "The Deeds of King Arthur"), to some degree redeems Steinbeck in my eyes. I found it in a used bookstore, and I was so intrigued by the idea of John Steinbeck writing a comedy, that I bought it immediately. Its a farcical tale of a French Astronomer who, by some twist of fate, is briefly appointed King of France. In its style, it is reminiscent of novels by other famous authors, such as Dumas and Voltaire. It did not have me rolling in the aisles with mirth, but there were so many beautifully turned comic phrases and situations, that I was just in awe that this was the same man who had written the book "The Black Pearl" (in my mind, one of the most utterly disgusting books I have ever read). If he had added a bit more of the comic touches he used in this book, to his other novels, such as "East of Eden," I believe he would have humanized them, and would have better succeeded in conveying his message. "Pippin IV" is a true little gem as full of mirth and humor as his other works are full of misery and despair. I highly reccomend it, especially if you are not fond of Steinbeck's works. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation of his technical abilities as a writer.
Product Review Summary: Maybe a minor Steinbeck, but still a very good book Do not be misled by the fact that Steinbeck have written better books, this is indeed a good one.
It is extremely well written and you will go through it fully enjoying the story and the characters. While this book is only a satire, Steinbeck does a very good job in studying the nature of man when politics, power and government are concerned. Even if the author attitude may seem different from his first novels, and while he may seem more cynical and resigned, he is still a very keen observer of a world that has drastically changed from the one he used to describe.
The only (minor) flaw of this book is that sometimes Steinbeck try to go back to his typical epic and evocative style, which seems a bit out of place in a satire such this.
Product Review Summary: Funny Steinbeck Pippin is a lark of a novel. It has the combination af subtle wordplay and broad humor of the best of Monty Python. What it lacks is the dark intensity of some of Steinbeck's greatest work. I say this not as a critism, but more so that you can know what to expect. The descriptions of the myriad political parties fighting around the coronation of Pippin are particularly funny and Kafkaesque (albeit a hell of a lot funnier). Definitely recommended if you are in the mood for something light and pleasant.
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