Set in the dustbowl Depression era in the US, this novel tells the stories of the Joad family, evicted from their farm by the banks and who travel to California to search for jobs and wealth promised in handbills that launch hundreds of desperate families in the same direction. Hounded by cops and finding both solace and sometimes despair among the roadside camps and hoovervilles, this is a vivid depiction of the ravages of capitalism and the hatred and fear it causes, along with the camrade... (show more)

Set in the dustbowl Depression era in the US, this novel tells the stories of the Joad family, evicted from their farm by the banks and who travel to California to search for jobs and wealth promised in handbills that launch hundreds of desperate families in the same direction. Hounded by cops and finding both solace and sometimes despair among the roadside camps and hoovervilles, this is a vivid depiction of the ravages of capitalism and the hatred and fear it causes, along with the camraderie and unwritten laws of trust and respect the "Okies" find amongst themselves. As relevant today as any other era in history, essential reading. (show less)