Karen's Reviews > Burning Bright

This was another Library Book Discussion group selection that I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.

This is not a typical Steinbeck novel. Actually it is more a play/novella. Not a popular one.

Premise: Joe Saul wants a child. But he is unable to do so with his young wife, Mordeen. She gets pregnant with the help of their hired hand, Victor. Joe is elated, but Victor feels used. Of course, Joe doesn't realize he is not the father, and Victor wants him to know. Mordeen tries to convince him not to tell Joe, because she wants to please her husband, and doesn't want him to know the extent she went to, to give him this child.

Bottom line it does not end happily for any of the characters.

The problem with this novella/play is the stilted dialogue. It does not sound natural - real, or like anything anybody would actually say.

The scenes are also off. What the characters do is off.

Do we care about the characters as readers?

As off as this story was, it was a great discussion selection, because there was so much ambiguity.

So what can any reader do?

Exit stage left.