The Grapes of Wrath (Penguin Modern Classics)

The Grapes of Wrath is one of Americas greatest novels. Set during the middle of the great depression, it follows the history of the Joad family as they are forced to leave their farm in Oklahoma as a result of both the dust bowl catastrophe and the desire of banks to consolidate farms into bigger corporate farms. As climate and economic refugees, the family expects to find California to be a land of milk and honey with plenty of money to be earned picking fruit. Instead, they are confronted with violence and the exploitation of the California farmers who realize that there are so many people desperate for work that they only need to offer starvation wages.Although written many years ago, the story has interest for people today since it deals with climate change and economic exploitation. As such, it would be a useful addition to a course on Critical Economic Theory. It also offers up universal themes of family and fortitude. The book leaves the reader with vivid, long-lasting images and portraits of the main characters.