The Winter of Our Discontent
by John Steinbeck · first published 1961
83% recommend17% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Praised as a serious, realistic novel with depth, following an ordinary man who struggles to stay good under strong temptation; a good pick for readers who want Steinbeck's more morally probing work.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Steinbeck's last great novel focuses on the theme of success and what motivates men towards it. Reflecting back on his New England family's past fortune, and his father's loss of the family wealth, the hero, Ethan Allen Hawley, characterises successin every era and in all its forms as robbery, murder, even a kind of combat, operating under 'the laws of controlled savagery.'
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The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck. There are probably better novels that I liked more, although this one is good and I liked it and it's kind of silly to pair off great works of literature Highlander-style, but I think…
on “Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why?” ↗Winter of our discontent - Steinbeck Amazing piece of work, specifically the book he won the nobel prize for literature. Great story of a normal man trying to be good in the face of great temptation.
on “Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life?” ↗I love Steinbeck, but I had never heard of The Winter of Our Discontent, thanks!
on “Read Fewer Books” ↗- F-451 - The Winter of Our Discontent - Man's Search For Meaning
on “Read Fewer Books” ↗…you on Hemingway, and maybe there are examples in Steinbeck's work, but at least in his case I can say that most of what I've read had a pretty high degree of realism and profundity. Maybe check out 'Winter of our Discontent' if you'd like another sample.
on ““The Idiot” Savant: On Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Idiot” ↗…I could read all the books I've ever wanted to read. Figured this was a good chance to put my money where my mouth is. Haven't gotten to Anna Karenina yet but did finish the Brothers Karamazov, The Winter of Our Discontent, Moby Dick, Lolita, East of Eden, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, Breakfast of Champions and The Idiot.
on “Leaving the Grace of This World” ↗