To a God Unknown by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know, if I wasn't already acutely aware that this was a Steinbeck novel, I would have been reading it, going, "Golly, this reads just like a Steinbeck novel."

And not to belabor the obvious, it's not because it IS one, but its because it FEELS mythical, rife with allegory, as clear with characters as a shock of lightning.

I'd also like to mention that this could very well be a full-on fantasy novel, an early 1930's down-to-earth mythical-realism quite apart from either Conan or Lovecraftian lit, and more like Billy Budd.

Indeed, and I haven't done any research to see if this is true, I have a BIG feeling that this was a VERY controversial novel in its day.

Christianity was reactionary and mistrusted, while the very source and wellspring of paganism was glorified in this text. Indeed, the whole legend of the king who is one with the land is VERY alive and well in its pages.

*chef's kiss* Beautiful, shocking story. Deliciously dark. Subversive.

Maybe it's not so dark or subversive to modern standards, but we're awfully jaded.

On the other hand, the dire darkness of the great depression, of utter drought, IS very much in our lives, no? So, this still resonates.

Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.

Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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